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 weapons and ammunition over to law enforcement," he said. Paylor summarized factors a judge may consider for an ERPO: alarming behavior or statements, unlawful firearm possession, reckless or negligent firearm use, threats of violence, violations of protective orders, substance abuse and relevant health-record information.

Council members discussed whether the standard questions asked on protective-order or peace-order forms inquire about firearms in the home. Paylor suggested reviewing the forms: "I think the form should ask, and if it doesn't, we can review the paperwork to make sure the question is asked and the issue is raised," he said. Members directed staff to check whether the forms already include that question and, if not, to consider recommending its addition.

The group discussed expanding community-based violence interrupter programs and increasing access to trauma-informed mental-health services in schools, with suggestions to prioritize resources to schools and neighborhoods with higher need and to consult the school system on placement criteria.

Several participants discussed co-responder models and how mobile crisis teams are dispatched. Assistant Deputy Chief Waddy said, "The mobile crisis team is being dispatched by our public safety communications for crisis related calls for service." Chief Weisman added that "Homeland Security, Police Department, Sheriff's Office, and Fire are involved in a 9-1-1 diversion" initiative and that staff would follow up on pilot status and hours of operation.

Perry Paylor described an existing diversion program for certain gun-possession cases: Back on Track, a problem-solving court program that he said was expanded locally to include some possession cases. Paylor described program elements: participants enter a plea, perform 180 hours of community service, participate in mentoring and life-skills supports, and pursue certificate programs paid for through program funds; on successful completion, participants may receive probation-before-judgment and be eligible for expungement coordinated with the state. Paylor said the program has been funded primarily through asset-forfeiture funds and that personnel capacity limits are the most likely constraint on expansion.

Members also discussed a proposed county program to subsidize secure firearm storage devices, modeled on no-questions-asked distribution or buyback approaches so households — including lawful and unlawful gun owners — could obtain safes or locking devices to reduce access by children and other at-risk household members.

The work group did not vote on these recommendations at the meeting. Chairs said the group will reconvene for a final meeting to vote on the full set of recommendations and that, after the vote, staff will draft a report to share with the county executive, the full council and relevant state legislators.