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Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) Study

The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act generated a new, national focus on extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs). But what do Americans and law enforcement officials in the 19 states and Washington, D.C. with existing ERPOs know, think and feel about these laws and how they can be used to prevent gun-related tragedies?

Description

In June 2022, Congress passed and President Biden signed into law the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was the first major gun reform legislation in decades. Among provisions addressing mental health and school safety, the bill made a number of reforms to the current process for the purchase and access of a firearm. Within this area were incentives for states to develop and implement extreme risk protection order programs (ERPOs).

This bipartisan bill generated a new, national focus on extreme risk protection orders. The Ad Council and The Joyce Foundation recognize this focus as an opportunity to raise awareness related to these laws among both gun owners and non-gun owners in the 19 states and Washington, D.C. with existing ERPOs, specifically about:
  • How the laws work; and
  • How they can be used to keep communities safe from gun-related tragedies.
The study was also designed to capture feedback and opinions from the frontline first responders who will be most involved in petitioning and/or enforcing them at the local level.

Commissioned by The Joyce Foundation, the Ad Council Research Institute (ACRI) is conducting a mixed-methods research study to understand current knowledge of and attitudes toward ERPOs by the general public and identify the most effective way(s) to discuss these laws. In addition to respondents from the general population (within the 19 states and D.C.), law enforcement officials were also part of the study—both to gather supporting details and opinions on ERPOs, and for their opinion on how the general public would best respond to information about these laws.


Key Data Points