Extreme Risk Protection Order

Information and Implementation Toolkit

Extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), also known as red flag orders, are a tool to prevent firearm violence, including mass shootings, suicides, and firearm assaults.

This toolkit is a collection of resources from various organizations covering general information on ERPOs as well as specific information on how and when to use ERPOs. This toolkit also provides guidance on how to implement ERPO policies and protocols in healthcare settings, schools, and beyond.

Michigan ERPO Information and Resources

In May 2023, Michigan passed its Extreme Risk Protection Order law, effective February 13, 2024. In this section, learn specific information about the Michigan law, how and where to access ERPO petition forms in Michigan, as well as information for those interested in learning about local Michigan crisis help resources.

Michigan’s Firearm Safety Laws

In 2023, Michigan passed a series of comprehensive firearm safety laws in the wake of the Oxford High School and Michigan State University shootings. These laws include an extreme risk protection order (ERPO, or red-flag) law, a safe storage law, an updated background check law, and a domestic violence misdemeanor firearm possession ban.

On this page, find a list of resources and information regarding each of these laws and laws like them, what they do, what they require, and how to practice firearm safety in the state of Michigan.

Community Information and Implementation Resources

Click each section below for more information and resources

Schools

Schools work hard to ensure that they are safe spaces for students to learn and grow. Teachers, administrators, school health professionals, and School Resource Officers (SROs) can see when students are in distress or even at-risk of harming themselves or others. 

Healthcare Workers and Networks

Healthcare providers are uniquely poised to offer someone at-risk of harming themselves or others an opportunity for harm reduction and prevention. Extreme Risk Protection Orders are a vital tool healthcare providers can use in responding to critical patient needs.

Families and Household Members

Family and household members are often the first to know if their loved one is in crisis or at risk of harming themselves or others. In many states with ERPOs, family and household members are able to petition for an ERPO themselves, and if not, can contact law enforcement to request an ERPO. 

Law Enforcement

Law enforcement play the biggest role in the implementation and use of Extreme Risk Protection Order laws. In every state with an ERPO law, law enforcement officials can file petitions and are often the most common petitioners in each state. Law enforcement are also responsible for the service of the order and the subsequent firearm dispossession. 

Domestic Violence Advocates

Domestic Violence Advocates should consider ERPOs as a potential tool when working with victims of domestic violence or intimate partner violence. Although ERPOs only restrict access to firearms and do not provide other forms of personal protection, they can be useful to include in safety planning–especially if firearm dispossession is not available through other protection orders.

Veterans

Veterans have some of the highest gun ownership rates in the country, and are one of the most vulnerable groups to experience suicidal ideation. It is critical that veterans and their loved ones are aware and take advantage of the crisis and safety resources available to them, including Extreme Risk Protection Orders.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 911.

If you are experiencing a crisis, please text or call 988.

The content of this website is not legal advice and is only intended for general informational purposes. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney.