Multi-Agency Firearms Relinquishment Grant Award NR24030ml

January 29, 2024

Los Angeles: Today, the Los Angeles Police Department and our partners are proud to announce the successful acquisition of a significant grant aimed at bolstering public safety and reducing the risk of gun violence. The grant, provided by the Judicial Council of California, will enable the implementation of a comprehensive initiative to enhance the relinquishment of firearms by individuals subject to domestic violence restraining orders. Our partners on the grant include the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

The key highlight of the grant initiative is the implementation of a portal that will facilitate seamless collaboration among agencies, providing a centralized platform for timely information exchange. Once the court has determined an individual is in violation of a firearm relinquishment order as part of their restraining order, law enforcement will be automatically notified and begin an investigation. Swift and decisive action will be taken to confirm the prompt surrender of firearms, reducing the potential for violence, and enhancing overall community safety. As we are working together to build the portal, which is expected to launch in January 2025, the grant will provide funding for the Department to create a task force to investigate firearms relinquishment violations sent manually by the Court.

Firearms in domestic violence situations dramatically increase the lethality risk. According to a 2019 analysis by Everytown Research, nearly two-thirds of intimate partner homicides in the United States are committed with a firearm. Additionally, per a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, risk of homicide for women in abusive relationships is at least five times higher if the abuser has access to a firearm. Enforcing firearm relinquishment provisions in domestic violence restraining orders is a proven intervention.

We understand that addressing the intersection of domestic violence and firearms involves a multifaceted approach, including legal interventions, support for victims, and public awareness campaigns. This grant allows us to strengthen part of our response and marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to prioritize public safety. By improving the relinquishment of firearms in cases of domestic violence restraining orders, we are taking a proactive stance against gun violence and fostering a safer community for all residents.

We extend our gratitude to our partners, the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, who will be part of this grant, who have shown support for our efforts.

Superior Court of Los Angeles County Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner said, “The Court is proud to partner with the two largest law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County to address gun violence in our communities. With funding provided by this grant awarded by the Judicial Council of California, the Court is working to build technology infrastructure so that violations of court orders to relinquish firearms in domestic violence restraining order cases are timely and efficiently communicated between the Court and law enforcement. I am grateful to Chief Michel Moore and Sheriff Robert Luna for their proactive partnership in securing this funding and working to ensure our communities are safe for the residents of Los Angeles County.”

Additionally, Sheriff Robert G. Luna stated, “As law enforcement leaders, we recognize the significance of receiving the Firearms Relinquishment Grant. I firmly believe that obtaining the Firearms Relinquishment Grant is a crucial step towards enhancing public safety. Centralizing the portal will expedite the exchange of information once the court has granted a domestic violence restraining order. Collaborating with LAPD and Superior Courts, this grant enables us to forge a united front in addressing domestic violence and supporting the victims. Together, we can enhance public safety, promote responsible gun ownership, and build a stronger, more secure community for all.”

This multi-agency collaboration signifies a strong commitment to upholding the values of
security, integrity, and unity within our City and County of Los Angeles.