ORLAND PARK, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Southwest suburban Orland Park has found a new way to crack down on people arrested for gun crimes.
The Orland Park Police Department said it has entered into a partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and will have two of its officers deputized as part of an ATF Task Force.
The officers will remain in Orland Park to fight crime there, but should a suspect be arrested for a gun crime-those officers would be empowered to charge the suspect under federal law, which Chief Eric Rossi said carries tougher penalties than being charged by the state or Cook County.
“A vast majority of those arrested by the Orland Park Police Department due to violation of gun laws are convicted felons with prior arrests for unlawful use of a weapon,” Rossi said.
“Many are found to be out on bond for similar charges. Unfortunately, we have grown accustomed to seeing our efforts wasted as offenders are released on little to no bond for their crimes.”
74 people were arrested on gun charges in Orland Park in 2021. 83 people have been arrested already this year.
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