Safe from guns

Yes! Please call 911. Guns need to be safely removed from domestic violence abusers by law enforcement as soon as possible.  Criminal and civil court orders can help with this, including “red flag laws” or Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs).  In emergencies, police can get orders to protect the person being abused and to remove the gun from the abuser.  There are also civil restraining orders where you can tell the Court about the abuser’s gun.  Once the order is issued, the abuser has to give up the gun immediately upon being asked by law enforcement.  If the abuser doesn’t voluntarily give up the gun, law enforcement can take it.    

Please call 911.  We need to make sure that person gets the help they need and to make sure they don't have access to a firearm to hurt themselves.  A GVRO can help ensure the person doesn’t have a firearm and can’t purchase one during a time when he or she needs mental health help.  Your local police can help with the process of safely removing a firearm from someone who is a danger to themself by having a firearm. 

Red flag laws or Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROSs) in California are court orders to temporarily remove a firearm from someone who is a danger to themselves or others.  If it’s an emergency or if you’re not sure it’s an emergency please call 911 anyway.  The 911 operators are  trained to figure out what should happen next.  For non-emergency situations, there are ways to learn about California’s Red Flag law or GVROs.  The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara has information about GVROs online under Self-Help. 

Please lock up your gun and keep it unloaded to keep your gun safe from children or thieves. Store firearms with a cable lock or trigger lock.  You can also store them in a California-approved lock box or gun safe.  Firearms should be stored unloaded and separate from ammunition.  (California DOJ, Firearm Safety)

Yes, call 911 even if a crime has not happened.  You could literally save a life. It’s not about getting someone in trouble.  It’s about getting help and learning what can be done to safely remove a gun from someone who is dangerous to themselves or others. 

Never try to seize a weapon on your own.  It’s far too dangerous. Call 911.  Leave this dangerous job to law enforcement, who are trained and have special teams to safely seize guns.  If you obtained a GVRO on your own, always have law enforcement remove the gun.  They will work to coordinate its removal and keep everyone safe.