The fight over gun control and a potential assault weapons ban in Illinois has advocates on both sides of the issue defining what types of firearms and ammunition could be banned. (Photo Flickr/tbonetaylor)

By Nick Gale

CHICAGO - Law enforcement took time Thursday to voice their thoughts on potential gun control legislation being drafted in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) hosted a roundtable discussion in Chicago where he heard from the Chicago Police Department, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, the Illinois State Police and suburban police officers. Suggestions for legislation included mandatory minimum sentencing for those cited for a gun crime and better background checks to ensure those with a mental health problem can’t purchase and don’t have access to firearms.

As Vice President Joe Biden works on gun control legislation, Durbin says he backs the ban of large-capacity magazines and military-style weapons. A final bill could include those provisions as well as others that law enforcement are backing.

Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy laid out five things he would like to see addressed by gun control legislation:

• Ban on “assault weapons”
• Ban on large-capacity magazines
• Mandatory background checks at gun shows
• Mandatory reporting of a lost or stolen firearm
• Mandatory minimum sentences for those who commit gun crimes

Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart said there is also a need for additional police and sheriff’s officers, a problem many communities are facing.

Money is a problem for the state police. ISP Director Hiram Grau said Illinois’ Firearm Owner Identification system is antiquated and a lack of staff has left the FOID system behind in processing FOID card holders who have been declared mentally unfit.

“I intend to make sure the recommendations I hear today are made part of the debate in Washington,” Durbin said. “I am optimistic that reasonable people on all side of this issue can come together and agree on sensible gun laws in this country.”