CHICAGO (AP) – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin says the debate on gun control has been avoided for too long and the fatal shootings at a Connecticut school along with ongoing violence in Chicago only underscore that.

Durbin met Thursday with authorities in the Chicago area to talk about strategies being used to reduce crime and prevent mass shootings in the city and its suburbs.

The Democrat is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which will play a role in the debate on gun control. That includes holdings hearings on gun violence.

Those at the meeting included Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy, Chicago police commanders, Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau and Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.

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