Crespo Highlights Schaumburg Firearms Enforcement Grants, Encourages Agencies to Apply for Future Funding

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill. – State Rep. Fred Crespo, D-Hoffman Estates, is spreading the word after the Illinois State Police (ISP) announced the second round of Firearm Enforcement Grants to local law enforcement organizations throughout the state. The police department in Schaumburg, parts of which Crespo represents, received $19,588 from ISP, after also applying for and receiving funding in the first round of grants.

“Protecting the public from criminal behavior means holding everyone accountable to the same legal standard,” Crespo said. “When an individual is prohibited from possessing a firearm, there is usually a very good reason for that determination. When that person does not surrender their firearms, that’s very concerning and it’s important that we are proactive in addressing that situation. That’s why I’m so enthusiastic about boosting these grants—there may be further rounds of these grants and I think it’s so important that every police department takes advantage of these opportunities.”

The grants are awarded to law enforcement organizations to enable them to conduct stepped up enforcement operations against individuals who have failed to surrender their firearms or FOID card after becoming subject to a Firearm Restraining Order, Clear and Present Danger determination or a felony conviction. These individuals are required to surrender their firearms and FOID card under state law. In the case of a restraining order or danger designation, the firearms are returned when the order or designation is lifted. A person convicted of a forcible felony loses their right to obtain a FOID card and to possess firearms until a minimum of 20 years have passed since the completion of their sentence.

“Local police departments are our community’s first line of defense when it comes to protecting residents from violent crime, and ensuring they have the resources they need in order to prevent crime is crucial,” Crespo said. “These grants are a big step in a positive direction and it’s my hope that increased enforcement will keep firearms out of the hands of those who are at risk of using them to do harm.”