The launch of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center was announced by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, who highlighted the importance of the Center in providing resources to prevent individuals who pose a threat from accessing firearms. Garland stated, “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.”
The Center aims to support the implementation of ERPO laws, which allow for temporary prohibitions on individuals at risk of harming themselves or others from purchasing and possessing firearms. This initiative is part of the Justice Department's efforts to combat gun violence and protect communities, utilizing tools provided by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act.
Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer emphasized the importance of the Center in providing new tools and technical assistance to communities to effectively implement crisis intervention strategies and reduce gun violence. Mizer stated, “Supporting our law enforcement and community partners in curbing the scourge of gun violence is more critical than ever.”
OJP Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon highlighted the Department's commitment to addressing the gun violence crisis through investments in ERPO programs. Solomon emphasized the need for collaboration at all levels of government to find innovative solutions to keep American communities safe. She stated, “This crisis cannot be solved at one level of government. 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 ERPO Resource Center, in collaboration with OJP’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, aims to provide states, local governments, law enforcement, and other stakeholders with resources and promising practices for effective ERPO implementation. The Center's website will serve as a platform for sharing information and connecting stakeholders to innovative strategies to reduce gun violence and save lives.
With 21 states and the District of Columbia already having enacted ERPO laws, the Center's comprehensive approach will play a crucial role in supporting successful and effective implementation.