A coalition of top local elected and civic leaders last week launched a new initiative to improve public safety by boosting efforts to take firearms out of the hands of criminals, stalkers and others prohibited from possession. of firearms in San Mateo County.
The launch of San Mateo County's new Gun Violence Prevention Program comes with a pledge of $2 million in funding over the next two years.
"This effort takes a proven approach to preventing violence and improving public safety: getting firearms out of the hands of those who are prohibited by law from owning firearms," said Don Horsley, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. "This effort creates collaboration between law enforcement and the courts and directs resources toward them."
Notably, the campaign focuses on keeping guns out of the reach of people who are prevented by law from possessing firearms such as: felons, convicted stalkers, and individuals with active domestic violence, gun violence, and other civil restraining orders in his against.
Also, to people convicted of hate crimes, and individuals ordered by a court not to possess firearms as a condition of probation.
"The county's innovative program bolsters targeted investigations and facilitates better implementation of existing law," said County Supervisor Dave Pine. "By doing so, we will get more firearms off the streets and better protect victims, survivors, and the community at large."
The program will fill a critical gap that can lead to tragedy. That gap, local officials say, exists because the criminal justice system doesn't have the resources to pursue specific cases.
"We're going to have an impact here," San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen M. Wagstaffe said. "It will save lives."
For her part, Julia Weber, director of implementation and expert on domestic violence at Giffords Law Center, specified that “San Mateo County’s deep commitment to taking a comprehensive, county-wide approach to reduce risk and increase safety by dedicating resources to this issue is commendable and should serve as a model for communities across the state and the country".
"Fair and effective implementation of gun safety policies and procedures saves lives and we are honored to be a part of the cutting-edge work being done in San Mateo County," he added.
How does it work?
The San Mateo County Gun Violence Prevention Program brings together several public agencies around an urgent priority: keeping guns out of the reach of people who are considered an immediate risk to themselves or others.
Building on several local initiatives already undertaken in the area of gun safety, two main strategies are involved: simplifying the processes for people to apply for and obtain a restraining order, and removing firearms from prohibited persons. .
In addition, the program also seeks to expand training for law enforcement, improve communication and efficiency between the parties involved, and educate the public on applicable laws.
The first strategy, involving restraining orders that automatically include firearms restrictions, is led by the San Mateo County Superior Court.
The second strategy, removing firearms, is led by the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force led by the District Attorney's office in cooperation with local San Mateo County law enforcement agencies.
Initially, investigators from the San Mateo and South San Francisco Police Departments will work with the District Attorney's Office to enforce applicable restraining orders countywide.
It is important to note that the program will include a continuous evaluation of performance metrics.
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