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New this month, the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions has compiled research, analysis, and expert guidance into our Extreme Risk Protection Order Model Policy Guide. This new document aims to inform the development of ERPO laws, also known as “red flag laws,” through research-based policy recommendations. The report features 58 recommendations laying the groundwork for lawmakers to craft policies including an evidence-informed guide on the petition process, enforcement, data collection, accountability, and more.  

ERPOs are civil court orders that temporarily prohibit the possession and purchase of firearms for people found by a court to be a danger to themselves or others.  After nearly 10 years in action, researchers believe it’s a promising policy intervention for preventing gun violence and addressing threats of suicide, interpersonal, or mass violence. Our polling shows that ERPO laws are popular and are currently implemented in 21 states. 

This report details essential elements and promising practices to make ERPO laws function as effectively as possible.

Read the full policy guide here. 

The Center hosted a youth event at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington D.C. organized by our Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Partnerships, Sylvia Washington, PhD. Our team had a conversation with youth from the South Hampton Roads area of Virginia about gun violence prevention, and how they can use their creativity to raise awareness for solutions across the country. As part of the day’s program, members of the Center worked with the attendees to express their message through poetry, hand-drawn art, acting, and any other creative means they found fitting. 

The National ERPO Resource Center (ERC) has launched an application form for our Community of Practice (CoP). We know the key to successful implementation is having ERPO champions on the ground with prior experience utilizing the policy to help make a positive change in their community. Our CoP will bring together law enforcement, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, clinicians, victim services agencies, community organizations, and behavioral health & social services providers in areas with ERPO programs in place. The CoP will share implementation approaches, respond to challenges, and develop resources for ERPO implementation.   
  

If you or someone you know fits these requirements, please click the link below and fill out the application. 

Who: Tim Carey, JD – Center's Law & Policy Advisor 

Lisa Geller, MPH – Center's Senior Advisor for Implementation 

Delegate Rip Sullivan – Fairfax County, Virgina 

Rep. Jennifer O’Mara – Delaware County, Pennsylvania 

What: Panelists will share key recommendations from the Center’s new ERPO Model Policy Guide. Hear from advocates working to get ERPO policies passed across the country, plus lawmakers perspective on developing and passing this life-saving policy. 

Where: Sign up for our Zoom Webinar  

When: Friday, September 6th at 12:00PM EST. 

Who: Spencer Cantrell, JD – National ERPO Resource Center Co-Lead and Center’s Core Faculty  

Paul Nestadt, MD – Associate Professor and Center Core Faculty 

Bill White - Senior Manager of Federal Policy, AFSP  

Taylor Kleffel - Senior Manager of State Policy, AFSP 

What: Panelists will discuss the effectiveness of ERPOs as a tool to prevent firearm  

suicides and to spread awareness during National Suicide Prevention Week. 

Where: Sign up for our Zoom Webinar 

When: Wednesday, September 11th at 2:00PM EST. 

Planned gifts provide the Center for Gun Violence Solutions with important resources for the future. 

Your bequest can help future generations live free from gun violence!  Please consider including the Center in your plans and make preventing gun violence a part of your legacy.  

If you are 70 ½ years or older, and want to help save lives now, please also consider making a qualified charitable distribution from your IRA as a tax-deductible contribution. 

We mention this now because you will need to contact the custodian of your IRA in plenty of time to request an amount to be distributed directly to the Center before December 31. This will help ensure that your distribution to the Center will count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA for the calendar year.  

Please consult with your financial advisor about this powerful charitable giving and possible tax-saving opportunity. 

Please contact Amanda Myers at [email protected] for more information!   

The Baltimore Sun: We can’t permit child gun deaths to be the status quo 

The Tennessean: Tennessee lawmakers blew a good opportunity to protect citizens against gun violence 

The Trace: A Call to Protect Democracy From Political Violence 

Public Health on Call Podcast: 790 - How Violence Reduction Councils Can Prevent Homicides and Shootings 

American Federation of Teachers: It’s time to end gun violence 

The Good Men Project: Research Highlights Need for Public Health Approach in News Reporting of Gun Violence 

United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit - Center’s website cited: UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT (No. 21-1255)  

Prevention Science - Center's research Cited: The Potential of Minimum Wage Increases to Reduce Youth Homicide Disparities: Diminishing Returns for Black Youth 

The Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
750 E. Pratt St
14th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
United States 

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