The Illinois Sheriffs' Association has adopted a resolution opposing the state's proposed assault weapons ban.

McLean County Sheriff Mike Emery says the association wants Illinois instead to go to the "root of the problem," which is mental health. Emery says an assault weapons ban won't address the primary problem. He says that's upgrades for mental health services.

The sheriffs' association offered other ways to end gun violence in addition to expanding mental health services. Those include giving police access to mental health records, addressing violent video games and prosecution of those who violate existing gun laws.