Red flag laws get a boost
A new study published in The Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law shows that Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), otherwise known as red flag laws, are effective in preventing suicide by firearm. According to The Trace, the analysis found that for every 17 times an order removed guns from people who presented a risk of harming themselves or others, one potential suicide death was likely prevented. When orders involved someone with a known suicide risk, the number increased to one suicide prevented for every 13 orders.
“Extreme Risk Protection Order laws enable law enforcement, and sometimes other relevant parties, to petition a judge for an order temporarily barring people who may pose a danger from having firearms. The analysis examined risk orders for more than 4,500 people in California, Connecticut, Maryland, and Washington—and researchers were careful to note that application of the law likely varied across states and local jurisdictions. …. [The] study suggests that these laws can go a long way: Though guns are involved in a relatively small proportion of suicide attempts, survivability is low.”
This is promising news, but only 21 states have red flag laws on the books. And even among those that do, disparities in enforcement mean use and efficacy vary widely from state to state, as we reported earlier this year in the 97Percent study “Empowering Enforcement.” Unfortunately, it’s a common problem across firearm relinquishment laws. A University of Michigan study has found that a lack of specificity and enforcement mechanisms in state and federal laws prohibiting firearm possession in cases of domestic violence also result in uneven requirements and enforcement.
There’s still plenty of work to do before these laws reach their full potential and maximize their protective intent.
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Please join 97Percent Board member Pierre Atlas for a webinar on September 19!
“American Exceptionalism and Guns: Comparing Gun Rights and Gun Violence in the U.S. and Other Democracies”
In his talk and audience Q&A, Dr. Atlas will address the meaning of “American Exceptionalism,” the roots of gun culture in the U.S., and how American gun culture is a characteristic of American Exceptionalism. He’ll also discuss how America’s gun rights and gun violence statistics compare to other advanced democracies. Please join us for this insightful and thought-provoking discussion!