ERPO: A Civil Approach to Gun Violence Prevention Teach-Out from Coursera

Evidence shows that 1 life is saved for every 10-20 Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) issued. ERPOs are legally issued civil orders that allow people on the front lines to ask a court to prevent a person at imminent risk of harm to themselves or others from purchasing or possessing firearms during a critical period of risk. As of October 2020, ERPO laws have been enacted by nineteen states and the District of Columbia and while some aspects differ by state, the general process for applying and issuing ERPOs are quite similar.

In this Teach-Out, a team of public health, policy, and medical experts will each provide a unique perspective to:

1. Define what ERPO laws are and how they work;

2. Share scientific evidence supporting ERPO laws as a public health approach to preventing gun violence and suicide;

3. Describe specific considerations for those eligible to petition for (aka those who ask the court to issue) ERPOs on behalf of an individual—including law enforcement, health professionals, and personal family members;

4. Discuss the legal process for passing, implementing, and enforcing ERPO laws;

5. Recommend specific call to action activities for learners designed to encourage policy makers to implement ERPO laws in states without them and strengthen existing ERPO laws in states that already have them; and

6. Provide opportunities for learners to engage in civil discourse and collective action to increase awareness about ERPOs and empower learners to advocate for ERPO laws to reduce and prevent gun violence in our communities.

What's inside

Syllabus

ERPO 101: Introduction to Extreme Risk Protection Order Laws

Clinicians as Petitioners for ERPO

Law Enforcement as Petitioners for ERPO

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation for understanding risk-protection orders in a public health context

Strengthens an existing foundation for those in public health who need to understand risk-protection orders

Taught by a team of experts in public health, policy, and medicine who provide a variety of perspectives

Develops knowledge of the legal process for passing, implementing, and enforcing ERPO laws

Provides learners with opportunities to engage in civil discourse and collective action to increase awareness about ERPOs and empower

Reviews summary

Understanding erpos for gun violence prevention

According to students, this course provides a comprehensive overview of Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), presenting them as a vital public health strategy for gun violence prevention. Learners appreciate the detailed exploration of how ERPO laws work, supported by scientific evidence. The course's strength lies in its multi-faceted approach, covering specific considerations for law enforcement, health professionals, and family members as petitioners. Many find the discussion on the legal processes insightful. A key takeaway for students is the emphasis on advocacy and actionable steps, empowering them to engage in civil discourse and collective action to strengthen ERPO laws in their communities.

Best suited for public health and legal professionals.

"This course is highly relevant for anyone working in public health, law enforcement, or policy."

"I'd recommend this for professionals seeking to understand gun violence prevention strategies."

"It provides valuable insights for advocates and concerned citizens on a serious societal issue."

Explains the legal journey of ERPO laws.

"The detailed discussion on the legal process for passing and enforcing ERPO laws was very informative."

"I gained a better understanding of the legislative and implementation aspects of these orders."

"The course clarified the legal framework surrounding ERPOs, which is crucial."

Explores ERPO petitioning from various professional angles.

"I found the specific considerations for law enforcement, health professionals, and family members incredibly insightful."

"It was valuable to see how different groups can utilize ERPOs based on their roles."

"The course did an excellent job of outlining who can petition and what their specific considerations are."

Highlights ERPOs as an effective public health tool.

"I appreciated the scientific evidence presented, supporting ERPOs as a public health approach to gun violence."

"This course demonstrated how ERPOs directly save lives and prevent suicide."

"It's clear that ERPOs are a data-supported method for public safety."

Provides a clear understanding of ERPO laws.

"I now clearly understand what Extreme Risk Protection Orders are and how they function."

"The course clearly defined ERPO laws and their operational mechanisms, which was very helpful."

"I gained a solid grasp of how ERPOs are designed to prevent harm."

Encourages learners to advocate for ERPO implementation.

"I feel empowered to advocate for ERPO laws in my state after completing this course."

"The 'call to action' activities provided concrete steps for influencing policy makers."

"The course truly encourages civil discourse and collective action to prevent gun violence."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in ERPO: A Civil Approach to Gun Violence Prevention Teach-Out with these activities:

Review Firearms Safety

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Review the basic principles of firearms safety to ensure that you are familiar with the safe handling, storage, and use of firearms.

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Re-familiarize yourself with the four rules of firearm safety.
Practice safe firearm handling techniques in a controlled environment.
Review the different types of firearms and their safe operation.

Develop an ERPO Policy Brief

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Develop a policy brief that outlines the benefits of ERPOs and provides recommendations for implementation.

Browse courses on Policy Brief

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Research the current state of ERPO laws and policies.
Identify the key arguments in favor of ERPOs.
Develop specific policy recommendations based on your research.
Write a clear and concise policy brief that summarizes your findings and recommendations.
Disseminate your policy brief to policymakers and other stakeholders.

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete ERPO: A Civil Approach to Gun Violence Prevention Teach-Out will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Healthcare Lobbyist

Healthcare Lobbyists work to influence public policy decisions on behalf of healthcare providers, organizations, or industries. This course provides valuable insights into the legal and policy landscape surrounding gun violence prevention, which is a critical issue for healthcare professionals and policymakers. By understanding the evidence supporting Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) and the legal process for implementing them, Healthcare Lobbyists can more effectively advocate for policies that protect public health and reduce gun violence.

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Criminal Investigator

Criminal Investigators are responsible for investigating crimes and gathering evidence. This course provides a thorough understanding of the legal process surrounding ERPOs, including the criteria for issuing an order and the procedures for enforcing it. This knowledge can be invaluable for Criminal Investigators who may encounter cases involving individuals at risk of harming themselves or others.

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Legislator

Legislators are elected officials who make laws and policies. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ERPO laws, including their effectiveness in preventing gun violence and suicide. By understanding the evidence and the legal framework surrounding ERPOs, Legislators can make informed decisions about whether to implement or strengthen these laws in their jurisdictions.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies to inform decision-making. This course provides a deep understanding of the evidence supporting ERPOs as a public health approach to reducing gun violence. Policy Analysts can use this knowledge to develop and evaluate policies that effectively address this critical issue.

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Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and services to individuals and families facing various challenges. This course provides valuable insights into the role of social workers in identifying individuals at risk of harming themselves or others and in supporting the implementation of ERPOs. By understanding the legal and ethical considerations surrounding ERPOs, Social Workers can effectively advocate for the well-being of their clients.

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Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of health and disease in populations. This course provides a strong foundation in the scientific evidence supporting ERPOs as a public health approach to preventing gun violence. Epidemiologists can use this knowledge to conduct research and develop strategies for reducing the incidence of gun violence in their communities.

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Attorney

Attorneys represent clients in legal matters and provide legal advice. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the legal framework surrounding ERPOs, including the process for obtaining an order and the rights of individuals subject to an order. Attorneys can use this knowledge to effectively represent clients in ERPO proceedings and to advocate for the fair and just application of these laws.

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Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators provide information and education to promote health and prevent disease. This course provides valuable knowledge about the evidence supporting ERPOs and the strategies for implementing them effectively. Public Health Educators can use this information to develop and deliver educational programs that raise awareness about ERPOs and encourage their use as a tool to reduce gun violence.

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Mental Health Counselor

Mental Health Counselors provide therapy and counseling to individuals with mental health challenges. This course provides insights into the mental health aspects of gun violence and the role of ERPOs in preventing harm. Mental Health Counselors can use this knowledge to assess risk, provide support to individuals in crisis, and advocate for the use of ERPOs when appropriate.

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Police Officer

Police Officers are responsible for enforcing laws and maintaining public safety. This course provides valuable information about the legal authority and procedures for obtaining and enforcing ERPOs. Police Officers can use this knowledge to effectively respond to situations where individuals may pose a risk to themselves or others and to ensure the safety of their communities.

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Case Manager

Case Managers provide support and services to individuals with complex needs. This course may provide valuable insights into the role of ERPOs in protecting individuals at risk of harming themselves or others. Case Managers can use this information to advocate for the use of ERPOs when appropriate and to support individuals subject to an order.

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Victim Advocate

Victim Advocates provide support and services to victims of crime. This course may provide valuable information about the role of ERPOs in protecting victims of domestic violence or stalking. Victim Advocates can use this information to educate victims about their rights and to advocate for the use of ERPOs when appropriate.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work to build and empower communities to address social issues. This course may provide valuable insights into the role of ERPOs in reducing gun violence and protecting public health. Community Organizers can use this information to raise awareness about ERPOs and to advocate for their implementation in their communities.

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Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts research and analyze health policies to inform decision-making. This course may provide valuable insights into the role of ERPOs as a public health approach to reducing gun violence. Health Policy Analysts can use this information to evaluate the effectiveness of ERPO laws and to develop recommendations for improving their implementation.

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Public Health Administrator

Public Health Administrators oversee the implementation and management of public health programs. This course may provide valuable insights into the role of ERPOs in reducing gun violence and protecting public health. Public Health Administrators can use this information to develop and implement policies and programs that promote the use of ERPOs and to ensure their effective implementation.

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