California adopts ‘gun violence restraining order’ law
October 10, 2014
Under a new law in California, police or family members may request a special restraining order to temporarily remove guns from people deemed to be dangerous to themselves or others. The law is widely supported by law enforcement groups, and builds on an existing ban on possessing firearms while under a domestic violence restraining order. Amanda Wilcox, advocate for The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, noted that the law may help to prevent suicides. Connecticut, Indiana, and Texas all have laws that permit law enforcement officers to request a judge’s order to temporarily confiscate weapons. California has expanded on this model by allowing family members as well as police to request a restraining order.
Spark Extra! Read “Guns and Suicide: The Hidden Toll,” from the Harvard School of Public Health.