Illinois State Police say new online reporting tool is curbing violence

CHICAGO - The Illinois State Police has had significant success with a web-based reporting tool introduced earlier this year, aimed at removing firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others.

Known as the "Clear and Present Danger" report, the online tool allows local law enforcement, school administrators, or mental health workers to report individuals they identify as potential threats. The reporting process, accessible on the Illinois State Police website, has proven to be a crucial step in preventing potential tragedies.

Robert Crimo, Jr. – the father of the Highland Park parade shooting suspect – is now serving 60 days in jail. It has everything to do with the guns his son, Robert Crimo III, allegedly used during the July 4th massacre.

The case centered on Crimo, Jr. knowing his son was a danger to the public when he applied for a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card. Crimo III needed a parent to sign his application.

"This is a tool that could've made a difference. It's hard to tell," said Brendan Kelly, Illinois State Police Director. "We know previous reporting in that case wasn't sufficient for the legal standard at that time."

There was a Clear and Present Danger report done in 2019 by Highland Park police about the son. It went from paper to online earlier this year.

According to Kelly, the process is efficient and proactive.

"It is a very quick process. I've seen us get a report of someone who is very dangerous and very concerning, and we act in within an hour sometimes," Kelly said.

From January through September of this year, the state has received over 10,000 reports through the Clear and Present Danger tool. The impact has been substantial, resulting in over 4,200 FOID card revocations or application denials. Additionally, more than 4,900 individuals were found to be without a valid FOID card or had pending applications.

Each day, the ISP reviews approximately 30 Clear and Present Danger reports from across the state. Collaborating with local law enforcement, the ISP takes swift action to ensure that individuals with revoked FOID cards no longer have access to firearms.