COOK COUNTY, Ill. — Sheriff Thomas Dart is concerned with the backlog of unrecovered firearms which are supposed to be turned in following the loss of a gun permit.

Dart said the backlog is “alarming” and has a “detrimental impact on public safety,” according to a press release from his office.

During a Friday press conference on the issue, Dart called on state leaders to provide direct funding to tackle a backlog exceeding 10,000 unrecovered guns.

His specific proposal is to create regional task forces with the sole purpose of recovering guns due to the loss of a permit.

He said additional resources, such as his task force idea, is the only way this issue will be resolved.