In 2019, the Firearms Restraining Order Act went into effect and joined Illinois’ set of restrictions on firearms that are typically called “red flag laws.” 

A Firearm Restraining Order is a legal tool that allows law enforcement, family members, or household members to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a significant risk of harming themselves or others. This measure is designed to prevent potential tragedies by intervening before violence occurs. 

The LCSAO has made it a top priority to raise awareness about this lifesaving tool. Through increased law enforcement training, enhanced community partnerships, and effective public outreach, FRO filings in Lake County have increased by more than 2000% since 2021.  

“In Lake County we have seen a 15% decrease in suicides by firearm between 2023 and 2024; we have also seen a 30% decrease in homicides by firearms. We know that these improvements could occur for several reasons. But national studies confirmed that for every 10-20 orders issued, we save one life,” Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart said at today’s press conference. 

This effort is part of the Gun Violence Prevention Initiative (GVPI) and Rachel Jacoby, who has been appointed as the Firearm Risk Reduction Coordinator has been collaborating with law enforcement agencies and community partners to identify situations where a FRO is appropriate and necessary. Some of these situations include domestic violence incidents, suicidal ideations, targeted violence, and other potential threats to public safety.   

“Bullets move faster than people can heal—a Firearms Restraining Order creates safer circumstances for a resident in crisis to seek treatment, stabilize their behavior, and access resources. By leading trainings, navigating petitioners through the filing process, and providing those in crisis with support services, our team is committed to saving lives by ensuring that law enforcement and Lake County residents understand what tools and resources exist when engaging with those at risk of harming themselves and/or others,” Lake County Firearm Risk Reduction Coordinator Rachel Jacoby said. 

Since 2023, the LCSAO has been conducting biannual training sessions for law enforcement in partnership with the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, focusing on FROs and Clear and Present Danger protocols. 

Director of the Illinois State Police stated, “When used, Firearm Restraining Orders and Clear & Present Danger Reports are highly effective in ensuring those at the highest risk of harming themselves or others do not have access to firearms, which is why increasing awareness is so important. The Illinois State Police is proud to partner with the Lake County State's Attorney's Office to lead trainings, support implementation, and strengthen collaboration among local law enforcement partners." 

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “I am proud to say, working closely with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office, we at the Lake County Sheriff’s Office have led the way in keeping our community safe through the use of FROs.  There have been numerous instances where our deputies obtained an FRO after individuals made threats of violence with firearms—whether directed at others or themselves.  These interventions and the use of FROs have prevented potential tragedies.” 

Chief Development Officer at a Safe Place Damaris Lorta stated, “A deeply concerning statistic shows that domestic violence victims are five times more likely to be killed when a firearm is accessible. This underscores the urgent need for laws and programs that protect victims. A Safe Place is proud to be a key partner in these efforts with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office and assist individuals in when filing not only emergency orders of protection, but also Firearm Restraining Orders.” 

Director of Domestic Violence Law Practice at North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic, Sally Steele said, “We see firsthand how dangerous situations involving firearms escalate, often putting victims of domestic violence at even greater risk. The FRO is an essential resource that complements existing orders of protection by addressing firearm access, which is a key factor in the lethality of domestic violence incidents.” She continued, “We applaud the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office for their leadership in promoting FROs and enhancing the public understanding of how they work.” 

In addition to the law enforcement trainings, the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office recently partnered with Johns Hopkins National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center to provide further training for law enforcement, educators, physicians, social workers, mental health professionals, and attorneys and create additional navigational tools they can use when considering whether to file a Firearms Restraining Order. 

"The Lake County State's Attorney's Office is at the forefront of Firearm Restraining Order implementation in Illinois due to its investment in public awareness, dedication to training key stakeholders, and commitment to assisting law enforcement and members of the public navigate the FRO process. By leading the way with these efforts, the Lake County State's Attorney's Office is setting a vital example of how proactive measures by local and county government can make a meaningful impact on public safety,” said Lisa Geller, Senior Advisor for Implementation at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions. 

State’s Attorney Rinehart added, “As you can see from our outstanding numbers today, Lake County has done the hard work of making sure that law enforcement, victim advocacy groups, and the entire community are working together to use this important tool to save lives.”  

If a loved one is threatening to harm themselves and/or someone else and you are worried they currently have access to or may access a firearm in the future, there are resources available to help. For questions regarding the Firearms Restraining Order process, please email us at LCSAOGVPI@lakecountyil.gov.  

Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you are experiencing mental health-related distress or are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. Call or text 988. Visit the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for more information at 988lifeline.org. 

2024 Statewide Firearm Restraining Orders by County

Average number of FROs entered in LEADS in 2023 and 2024 (per 100,000)

Lake County FROs entered into Leads