San Rafael, CA – The Marin County District Attorney’s Office is hosting a gun violence restraining order training to educate the community about an underutilized law which helps remove firearms from those who pose a danger to themselves or others. The training will be presented by the San Diego City Attorney's Office.
The half-day training July 25 is targeted toward those who work in all forms of law enforcement, crisis intervention, school administration, medical care, or municipal law (town, city, or county attorneys).
As the first statewide champion for gun violence restraining orders, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office was selected by the state to conduct trainings to selected audiences throughout California. The law, which took effect in 2016, allows family members or law enforcement officers to seek such a restraining order against someone they believe poses an immediate and present danger of harming themselves or others. The law was passed in the wake of a 2014 mass killing in the Santa Barbara County town of Isla Vista in which six people died.
Using case studies, the trainers explain ways to apply the law and describe the process for obtaining a gun violence restraining order. The training will address complex issues about domestic violence, contacting juveniles, and handling individuals with neurological disorders (including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease). A significant amount of time is devoted to issuing search warrants and seizing firearms from a legal and officer perspective.
"This is important information not just for law enforcement and attorneys but for crime victims and those who work for community-based organizations,” said Marin County District Attorney Lori Frugoli. “A gun violence restraining order is one of many safety options for those who are concerned that a person may harm themselves or others with a firearm."
The training is set for 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at the Marin County Board of Supervisors chamber. The chamber is Suite 330 inside the Marin County Civic Center, 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael. RSVP online or direct questions to the DA’s Office at 415-473-6450.
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