California’s Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) serve as a proactive model for preventing gun violence, emphasizing intervention over punishment and showing promising results in saving lives.
In the wake of a tragic mass shooting in New York that claimed the life of Didarul Islam, a Bangladeshi American NYPD officer, the debate over gun control has reignited across the nation. While New York mourns, California offers a proactive model for prevention through Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs). This article explores the key insights from California’s approach and how it could serve as a blueprint for other states.
Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) in California are designed to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others. According to Ari Freilich, Director of the California Department of Justice’s Office of Gun Violence Prevention, “GVROs aren’t about punishment. They’re about prevention.” This highlights that these orders are a civil tool aimed at restricting access to firearms without resorting to incarceration.
Family members, employers, educators, and law enforcement can request GVROs from a civil court in California. Once granted, the order prohibits the individual from purchasing or possessing firearms for a specific period, providing a critical intervention window. Freilich notes that California’s GVRO law has become a model for 19 other states and Washington, D.C., underscoring its potential as a proactive safety measure.
GVROs also address a significant gap between the mental health and criminal justice systems. Psychiatrist Dr. Amy Barnhorst emphasizes that these orders can be utilized in situations where someone is clearly disturbed or making threats but does not meet the threshold for psychiatric hospitalization or arrest. This allows for the removal of firearms from potentially dangerous situations while addressing underlying issues.
One of the most compelling aspects of GVROs is their effectiveness in preventing suicides. Dr. Barnhorst states that removing firearms significantly increases the chances of survival in potential suicide cases. “For every 17 GVROs requested in cases of suicide concern, one life is saved,” she notes, highlighting the profound impact of this intervention.
The use of GVROs in California has surged by over 500 percent in five years, increasing from 424 orders filed in 2018 to 2,073 in 2023. During the same period, firearm-related homicides and suicides have declined in the state. Chris Dargan points out, “Even with strong gun safety laws, over 3,000 Californians die from gun violence each year,” emphasizing the need for continued awareness and utilization of protective orders.
Law enforcement officials also recognize the practical application of GVROs in preventing potential tragedies. Sergeant Kyle Ikeuchi of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office highlights their use in cases where individuals have threatened workplace violence or school shootings. “It’s a tool that allows us to act before tragedy strikes,” he states, stressing the importance of community vigilance in reporting potential threats.
Community awareness plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of GVROs. Gabriella Gonzalez, a member of the Reduce the Risk Youth Advisory Council, shared her personal experience of being stalked and threatened by an armed individual. Her story underscores the critical need for outreach and education, emphasizing that awareness of protection orders can empower individuals to seek justice and protect themselves.
California’s comprehensive approach, which combines legal tools, education, and community engagement, offers a potential blueprint for other states grappling with gun violence. The increasing use of GVROs and the corresponding decline in gun-related deaths suggest a correlation between proactive interventions and improved public safety.
Source: Original article