Imperial County Launches County-Wide Initiative to Prevent Gun Violence with GVROs
Published: November 4, 2023
EL CENTRO, CA - In response to recent incidents of mass violence across the nation, the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office is launching a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies to identify and address individuals who exhibit behaviors suggesting a potential danger to themselves or others involving firearms. This initiative centers around the use of Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) and aims to prevent tragic events before they occur.
The indicators for intervention range from concerns related to mental health, threats, alcohol or substance abuse, and people in crisis. When these indicators are present, law enforcement agencies have various mechanisms, both on a criminal and civil level, to take immediate action. District Attorney George Marquez has entrusted Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Brooker with overseeing this initiative.
Brooker, who previously led the Gun Violence Response Unit (GVRU) for the San Diego Police Department, brings a wealth of experience to the table. Since 2018, the GVRU has processed over 2,900 referrals and petitioned the superior court for more than 1,200 Gun Violence Restraining Orders. As a result, over 3,200 firearms were removed from individuals in crisis, including potential mass shooters and those experiencing mental health breakdowns or suicidal tendencies.
Brooker and the GVRU team’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. They have been recognized as national leaders in this field, with Brooker testifying before the State Assembly, elected officials, and various non-government organizations. He has also conducted over 100 P.O.S.T. certified training sessions across the state, reaching more than 500 law enforcement agencies.
In recognition of their contributions to public safety, the San Diego Police Department awarded Brooker and his team on October 19. Subsequently, Imperial County law enforcement officers received training on how to utilize GVROs, and the tool has already been put into practice in cases assigned to mental health court.
District Attorney Marquez emphasized the importance of using this tool responsibly, stating, “This is a law enforcement tool that can keep people safe when it’s used responsibly. The safety of the public is the overriding concern, but we must also carefully guard people’s right to bear arms under the 2nd Amendment. Every case filed should be carefully vetted before it’s presented to a judge.”
It’s worth noting that, at every stage of the process, the court makes the final decision on whether a prohibition should be imposed, with law enforcement agencies simply making the request. The prohibition, if granted, can last from 21 days to a maximum of 5 years, but it can be lifted after a hearing. All firearms seized under this provision are stored free of cost and can be returned to the legal owner once the prohibition expires.
Assistant District Attorney Brooker highlighted the proactive and immediate nature of the intervention, which is a key factor in the tool’s effectiveness. Referrals come from not only local police but also federal agencies like the N.C.I.S., V.A. Police, F.B.I., and military commands. This collaborative approach allows for swift intervention in cases where individuals experiencing crises live off-base within local communities. The law also mandates that GVROs must be the least restrictive means to ensure safety, with alternative options explored before petitioning the court.
This comprehensive approach is set to make a significant impact on the safety of Imperial County residents while respecting their constitutional rights. Gun Violence Restraining Orders, when used responsibly, could be a powerful tool in preventing potential tragedies.
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