Extreme Risk Protection Orders in Washington : A Statewide Descriptive Study

• Published in: Annals of internal medicine Vol. 173; no. 5; p. 342
• Main Authors: Rowhani-Rahbar, Ali, Bellenger, M Alex, Gibb, Lauren, Chesnut, Heather, Lowry-Schiller, Madison, Gause, Emma, Haviland, Miriam J, Rivara, Frederick P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.09.2020
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Firearms - legislation & jurisprudence; Gun Violence - legislation & jurisprudence; Gun Violence - prevention & control; Gun Violence - psychology; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Assessment; Suicide - prevention & control; Suicide - psychology; Washington; Young Adult; Washington
• ISSN: 1539-3704
• DOI: 10.7326/M20-0594

In the United States, 74% of homicides and 51% of suicides involve firearms. Using extreme risk protection order (ERPO) laws, petitioners can request restricting firearm access for individuals (known as "respondents") who pose a risk to themselves or others. To characterize respondents and circumstances of ERPOs. Descriptive study. State of Washington. All ERPO respondents during 8 December 2016 to 10 May 2019. Reason for filing the ERPO; characteristics of respondents; respondent's reported history of domestic violence perpetration, mental illness, substance misuse, and suicide ideation or attempt; number and type of firearms removed; and ERPO petition outcome (granted or not granted). The ERPOs were filed for concerns about harm to self (  = 67), harm to others (  = 86), or harm to both self and others (  = 84). Of all ERPOs, 87% were filed by law enforcement and 81% were granted. At least 1 firearm was removed from 64% of respondents, with a total of 641 firearms removed. The petitioner reported prior domestic violence perpetration by the respondent in 24% of cases, and a prior diagnosis of a mental health condition and substance misuse for the respondent in 40% and 47% of cases, respectively. Of all respondents, 62% had a history of suicidal ideation or attempt according to the petitioner. As part of the ERPO process, the court ordered mental health evaluation in 30% of cases. Filing of the forms was inconsistent. Laws regarding ERPOs are a potential tool to help protect patients or family members from harming themselves or others by restricting firearm possession and purchase. Further studies are needed to determine the long-term effects of these laws and identify approaches to increase their use. State of Washington.