Crime & Safety
Concealed Carry Background Check System 'Horrifically Unworkable,' Sheriff Says
Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart says he worries that under the current system, too many people who shouldn't will be able to obtain concealed carry permits.
As Cook County braces for a new law allowing concealed carry, Sheriff Tom Dart says the system for conducting background checks is "horrifically unworkable," according to ABC Local.
While state police are responsible for conducting background checks, county sheriffs, state's attorneys, local police and the attorney general's office have the power to object to a permit being issued, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Dart says he wants to conduct his own checks in Cook County, but is stymied by a lack of access to the national criminal history database. Instead, he wants to issue a "blanket objection" to applicants with one or more arrests for domestic violence or gun possession in the last six years, as well as anyone with known gang ties, the Sun-Times reports.
Under the Illinois law that goes into effect Jan. 1, 2014, qualified gun owners who pass background checks and undergo 16 hours of training may obtain concealed carry permits for $150, according to NBC Chicago. The law also set up a concealed carry board that considers objections from local police departments.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
