Hahn and Solis Draw Attention to Gun Violence Restraining Orders
New website for public provides info on when and how to file for a GVRO
Supervisor Hahn speaks at this morning’s press conference alongside Mia Livas Porter, Acting Captain Peacock, Dr. Barbara Ferrer, and Supervisor Hilda Solis.
Los Angeles, CA—Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Los Angeles County Supervisors Chair Janice Hahn and Supervisor Hilda Solis which aims to raise awareness of gun violence restraining orders among LA County residents as tools to prevent gun violence.
In 2016, California’s red flag law was signed into law, allowing law enforcement and members of the public to file for what are called Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) if they have reason to believe a person is a danger to themselves or others. If approved by a judge, the GVRO can prevent a person who poses a significant risk of harming themselves or others from having or purchasing a gun, ammunition, or magazine for a specified length of time, between 21 days and five years.
“Gun violence restraining orders save lives, but right now most LA County residents don’t know about them,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn, who has championed the effort to raise awareness of GVROs. “We have heard too many tragic stories of shootings where loved ones, coworkers, or neighbors were worried about gun violence but felt powerless to prevent it. We are setting out to change that.”
Gun violence restraining orders are disproportionally underutilized in Los Angeles County. In 2022, only 66 GVROs were granted in LA County and, of those, 65 were filed by law enforcement while only one was filed by a member of the public. San Diego County, while just one third the population of Los Angeles County, had over 400 GVROs granted.
“Gun violence is an epidemic in this country that has taken far too many lives in our communities,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, First District. “Fortunately, we live in a county and state that has taken many actionable steps to keep our communities safer from gun-related incidents of violence. I’m proud to be the co-author of this motion. By ensuring that those at risk of harming themselves or others get their guns taken away until their mental health improves, we can save more lives.”
A 2021 study found that 70% of respondents in California did not know about GVROs, but would consider using one in a high risk situation.
To improve public information and awareness of Gun Violence Restraining Orders, the LA County Office of Violence Prevention has created a new webpage for members of the public. The new webpage can be found at www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/
In addition, Supervisors Hahn and Solis’s motion which was unanimously approved today will direct the Office of Violence Prevention to launch a wider information campaign with their community partners to distribute information about gun violence restraining orders. The motion also directs the Office of Violence Prevention to work with the Sheriff’s Department, courts, and Department of Justice to collect further data on GVROs as well as collaborate with the Sheriff’s Department to conduct trainings on gun violence restraining order for deputies.
“We have a public health crisis facing us that demands a comprehensive public health solution,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer who oversees the Office of Violence Prevention as the Director of Public Health. “GVROs and other legal protection orders are based on the idea that each of us can contribute to building a more peaceful society. If a friend, family member, or co-worker is going through difficult times, and poses a significant risk of harming themselves or others, there is legal action we can take to prevent a tragedy. Today’s motion asks that we do more to make sure the option of filing GVRO is available and utilized. We look forward to working with county leaders and community partners to raise awareness about GVROs, disrupt the cycle of gun violence, and create safer communities for all LA County residents.”
In a press conference ahead of the board meeting, Supervisors Hahn and Solis were joined by Mia Livas Porter from Moms Demand Action who stressed the importance of using gun violence restraining orders to prevent suicide. 90% of suicides using a gun are fatal, compared to 4% of suicide attempts not using a gun.
“So often suicide attempts are a cry for help,” Livas Porter said. “If we could only buy someone struggling with suicidal ideation some time, we could save countless lives.”
Acting Captain Robert Peacock also joined the press conference to outline steps the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will take regarding GVROs moving forward, including training and ensuring every station has a dedicated GVRO liaison.
“By taking these steps, together, we can better protect communities and respond to potential threats before they escalate into tragedy,” said Acting Captain Peacock. “The importance of GVROs cannot be overstated, as they provide a critical tool to promote public safety and address the complex issue of gun violence in our society.”
