Work group debates ERPOs, co-responder dispatch and diversion expansion in mental-health and gun-safety recommendations

Members of the Prince George's County Council Gun Violence Study Work Group discussed draft recommendations aimed at reducing gun violence by improving mental-health responses, diversion programs and household gun safety, but no final votes were taken; the group scheduled one more meeting to finalize the recommendations.

Councilwoman Crystal Bridal, co-chair of the work group, opened a discussion of several recommendation areas and asked staff and subject-matter participants to clarify legal and operational limits. Opening topics included whether existing Maryland law and local court practice allow firearms to be seized when a protective or peace order is issued.

Perry Paylor, deputy state's attorney, explained Maryland practice regarding extreme risk protective orders: "In Maryland, as of October of 2018 ... you have to turn over your weapon once an extreme risk protective order is actually signed by the court. And they can turn those…