Extreme Risk Protection Order
Extreme Risk Protection Order Liaison Program (ERPO)
What Is an Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO)?
An Extreme Risk Protective Order (ERPO) is a temporary legal order from a court. It’s used to help keep people safe by removing guns and ammunition from someone who may be dangerous to themselves or others. If someone is given an ERPO, they must:
- Turn in any firearms and ammunition to the police
- Not buy or own any firearms or ammunition while the order is active
Who Can Ask for an ERPO?
The following people can file a request (called a petition) for an ERPO:
- A current spouse or intimate partner
- Someone who lives with the person
- A family member
- Someone who shares a child with the person
- A current legal guardian
- A police officer
- Certain doctors or medical professionals who have examined the person
Who Is the Respondent?
The respondent is the person the ERPO is filed against. To file an ERPO against someone, the person must have access to firearms and show risky behavior, such as:
- Acting violently or threatening to hurt themselves or others
- Using a gun carelessly or dangerously
- Breaking a peace or protective order
- Acting aggressively while under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Showing other concerning behavior noted in medical records
What Is the ERPO Liaison Program?
This program helps people understand and use ERPOs. It includes:
ERPO Coordinating Council
- A group that meets to talk about how ERPO's are working, what's challenging, and how to improve the program
- Includes people affected by ERPO's, police, healthcare workers, and other community members
Training and Outreach
- Free training sessions online and in person
- Open to anyone in the community
Training Topics
- What ERPOs are and how to file one
- How orders are enforced
- How privacy is protected
- Different levels of risk
- Resources available for help
Access to Services
- Support is available for both the person filing the ERPO and the person it's filed against
- Access to mental health professionals and other services through a network called the Crisis Continuum
Speak with an ERPO Liaison
Training
To join the ERPO Council or attend a training on filing ERPOs, email erpoliaisontraining@co.pg.md.us.
Support
Need help or know someone who does? To learn more about how to get connected to services if you're an ERPO filer or respondent, email erpoliaisonreferrals@co.pg.md.us.