The official name for them is Extreme Risk Protection Orders, or ERPOS, if you talk to law enforcement.
Others know them as "red flag" laws, court orders that can take weapons away from people seen as a threat to themselves or others.
Oregon and Washington both have such laws. Washington's on the books since 2016, Oregon's in 2017.
Since that time and through June of 2022, in Oregon there have been 564 ERPO filings, about 80% of those approved by judges.
The number of filings in Oregon has increased every year in that period, but the Department of Justice thinks there may be more people who want or need to use them, but just don't know enough about the laws.
"It's just really important for Oregonians to remember this is an option available to them. And while it may seem very scary about going to the courthouse, it is a fairly simple process. It will happen pretty quickly. And the result is ultimately it will help keep the individual and you and others safe," said Ellen Klem, the DOJ director of Outreach and Education.
"Some individuals may be scared away by the idea of having to work with the courts. And it might not be something they are excited or eager to do. But I think there are a lot of folks out there who are willing to help and explain the process to those folks," said Klem.
The Clark County Sheriff's Office says it doesn't see many filings.
"It isn’t a super common process. We don’t serve, we’re not doing hundreds of them a year by any means. I think we’ve only...
The court heard even though he has been told there is no evidence his wife was ever attacked in any shape or form, the accused maintains 'he would do it again' and 'has no remorse' An entirely inno...