Submitted By
Shatonya Johnson, Chief of Police & Paul L. Stephanides, Village Attorney
Reviewed By
A.M.Z.
Agenda Item Title
Title
Discussion of Regulations to Require the Safe Storage of Firearms in Homes in the Village and to Allow the Village to Buyback Weapons
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Overview
Overview
This discussion is on the agenda per the request of Trustees Straw and Buchanan. Per the Village Board's Protocols, two or more Trustees can make a Motion to consider an item on an upcoming agenda. This is a discussion to require the safe storage of firearms in homes in the Village as well as remove the restriction in the current Village Code to allow for buyback programs in the Village.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Staff supports the ordinance and the proposed amendments to the Village Code contained in the ordinance except for the proposal to strike the language prohibiting the Village from asking for identification when a person delivers or abandons a weapon with the Village. The Police Department seeks to have the ability to contact a person who delivers or abandons a weapon if it is determined to be connected to a crime or if the weapon is stolen. The Police Department does not wish to be in possession of stolen property nor does the Police Department wish to have its ability to a solve a crime limited or have evidence destroyed. A person delivering or abandoning a weapon may not be the person involved in the crime but may be a crucial witness or a person who can provide additional information. Staff's recommendation is attached to ORD 23-75 as the next item on this meeting's agenda.
Background
Illinois law requires the safe storage of firearms when a person knows or has reason to believe that a minor under the age of 14 years old who does not have a Firearm Owners Identification Code is likely to gain access to a firearm and "the minor causes death or great bodily harm with the firearm." 720 ILCS 5/24-9(a). Under the statute, a person must either ...
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