Rep. Barbara Hernandez-Backed Firearms Restraining Order Enforcement Grants Issued to Local Police Departments

AURORA, Ill. – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is issuing a third round of firearm restraining order enforcement grants-totaling $1.5 million-to law enforcement agencies across the state following a law state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, fought for.

“Further funding to ensure law enforcement professionals have the tools they need to enforce firearms laws is a step forward for our community,” Hernandez said. “Following the events of the 2019 Henry Pratt shootings, Aurorans personally know the tragic consequences of guns being in the wrong hands. Our system of firearms restraining orders serve a vital role in Illinois’ public safety system, and it must be strong, or else we’re inviting further tragedy.”

The Aurora Police Department will receive a grant of $52,592.89 to help fund enforcement of firearm restraining orders. Such orders are designed to ensure homicidal or suicidal people don’t pose a safety threat to themselves or others. A total of $1.5 million has been issued to law enforcement agencies across the state. This is the third round of grants the Illinois State Police has issued.

“Fighting for the safety of this community is an aspect of my role as lawmaker that I take extremely seriously,” Hernandez said. “Keeping weapons of war off our streets, cracking down on mass shootings and ensuring that red flag laws are effective are responsibilities that need to be prioritized. Law enforcement professionals must get the financial support they need so they can keep us safe, and I won’t compromise on that.”