MAYWOOD, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Cook County Sheriff's Office is hoping billboards can help avoid shootings.
Dozens of billboards across the Chicago area are reminding people about an underutilized red flag law known as the Firearms Restraining Order Act, which allows concerned family members or law enforcement to request that a gun be taken from a potentially dangerous gun owner.
"If you have a loved one that is having issues and there's a gun in the house, the chances of something horrible happening is off the charts," said Tom Dart.
If a family member, who is struggling mentally, does not agree to give up the gun, an order can be obtained from the court and if the person shows improvement in the future, he or she may be permitted to possess the gun again.
"It's very straight forward," he explained.
The Sheriff’s Office has filed more than a dozen orders under the Firearms Restraining Order Act that led to the recovery of nearly 100 firearms.
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