Justice Department launches National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center

In a move to address gun violence across the United States, the Justice Department has unveiled the National Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) Resource Center.

This initiative aims to provide crucial training and technical assistance to various stakeholders involved in implementing laws designed to prevent individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others from accessing firearms.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed the importance of this resource, saying, “The launch of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center will provide our partners across the country with valuable resources to keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.”

ERPO laws, akin to domestic violence protection orders, establish a civil process enabling law enforcement, family members (in most states), medical professionals, or other groups (in some states) to petition a court.

This petition can temporarily prohibit individuals at risk of harming themselves or others from purchasing and possessing firearms for the duration of the order.

The funding for this initiative stems from the Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program (SCIP), which received $238 million in 2023 under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.

Additionally, $4 million was allocated to support training and technical assistance, with $2 million directed towards establishing the ERPO Resource Center at the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions.

Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer emphasized the critical role of this Center in supporting law enforcement and communities to combat gun violence.

Mizer stated, “In addition to other resources leveraged across the Justice Department, this Center will provide communities with new tools and technical assistance to help them implement effective crisis intervention strategies and reduce gun violence.”

The Center, in collaboration with the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), will assist states, local governments, law enforcement, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, clinicians, victim service providers, and behavioral health professionals in tailoring ERPO programs to suit local needs.

It will also facilitate the sharing of resources and promising practices within the field, ensuring that funding from Byrne SCIP is utilized effectively.

OJP Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon underscored the Department’s commitment to addressing the gun violence crisis, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts at all levels of government.

Solomon stated, “We must use all of our resources and collaborate at the federal, state, and local levels to find innovative, evidence-based, and holistic solutions to help keep American communities safe.”

The newly launched website of the ERPO Resource Center will serve as a central hub for critical information, resources, and emerging practices in successful ERPO implementation.

With 21 states and the District of Columbia already enacting ERPO laws, the Center’s comprehensive approach is poised to make significant strides in reducing firearm-related homicides and suicides while saving lives across the nation.