ERPO Short Report

Extreme Risk Protection Orders to Prevent Mass Shootings

What do Researchers Know?

The Violence Prevention Research Program created a short report on research evidence for extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) in preventing mass shootings.

Mass shootings are a source of shared anguish and outrage among the American public, and they are becoming more frequent. Extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) are designed to prevent these shootings, and research supports their effectiveness. Download the full report: vprp-erpo-short-report_0.pdf

Key Takeaways
  1. Mass shooters frequently share their plans, creating opportunities to intervene
  2. ERPOs are temporary, tailored interventions focused on high-risk individuals
  3. Research indicates ERPOs can prevent both mass shootings and suicides
  4. ERPOs are widely supported by the general public, including most gun owners
  5. Resources are needed to improve training and implementation related to ERPOs
Questions answered: 
  • Background: Mass shootings and their perpetrators
  • What are extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs)?
  • Do ERPOs prevent violence?
  • Does the general public support ERPOs?
  • What is needed to improve ERPO implementation?

Primary Category

Secondary Categories

School and Mass Shootings