System tracks people ordered to relinquish guns

The Los Angeles County Superior Court, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, has launched a new digital platform that automates the transmission of firearm relinquishment restraining order violations to law enforcement agencies. The new system enhances efficiency, communication and coordination, presiding judge Sergio C. Tapia II said.

“The introduction of a new notification system and portal to address firearm relinquishment violations represent two significant milestones in how we collectively address gun violence in our communities,” Tapia added. “These new systems ensure that individuals ordered by the court to relinquish firearms in domestic violence and other restraining cases surrender their weapons promptly, benefitting the safety and security of all Los Angeles County residents.”

People subject to domestic violence restraining orders and other types of restraining orders are required to relinquish firearms. Funded by a $4.12 million grant from the Judicial Council of California, the new digital platform automatically alerts the appropriate Los Angeles County law enforcement agency when an individual fails to relinquish firearms, firearms parts and ammunition as ordered. The new automated notification system replaces a manual, multi-layered process for court staff, enabling faster and more accurate communication whenever a violation occurs in a specific area.

“The launch of the Firearms Relinquishment Enforcement and Court Portal is a powerful step forward in preventing gun violence and protecting our communities,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. “By automatically notifying law enforcement when individuals fail to surrender firearms, firearm parts or ammunition as ordered by the court, we can act quickly to ensure those weapons are removed from situations where they pose the greatest risk. This seamless coordination between the courts and law enforcement strengthens our ability to protect victims, hold offenders accountable and strengthens public safety in L.A. County.”

The court has also launched a new Firearm Relinquishment Portal, which provides law enforcement agencies with a centralized list of relevant cases for review.

For information, visit lacourt.ca.gov.