On Monday, February 6, 2012 Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation which allows the use of firearm sound suppressors by Illinois law enforcement officials serving on tactical response teams.

Suppressors give officers the strategic advantage by keeping their positions under cover in the presence of multiple armed criminals. They also protect the safety of officers by minimizing the muzzle blast of the firearm in the presence of explosive gases and decrease hearing-related injuries.

House Bill 1708 was an initiative of Riverside Police Chief Tom Weitzel, Board member of the Northern Illinois Police Alarm System. It was co-sponsored by State Representative Mike Zalewski (R-Riverside). 

“The signing of House Bill 1708 is extremely important for the safety of law enforcement officials throughout Illinois and I thank Rep. Zalewski for his support of law enforcement on this issue,” said Chief Weitzel.