There’s a new system aimed at cutting down on gun violence, especially for victims of domestic violence in Los Angeles County.
The alert system links all 88 law enforcement agencies across the county to remove access to guns for abusers. KNX News’ Emily Valdez reported it was made possible by a $4 million grant given to L.A. County courts.
“On September 8th of this year, the court launched an automated notification system that immediately alerts law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies when a restrained party fails to comply with a court-ordered firearms relinquishment,” Presiding Judge Sergio Tapia said.
Before this system, clerks had to do paperwork when a restraining order was filed. This delayed the process, causing it to take weeks for law enforcement to find out that someone with a restraining order against them did not turn over their gun.
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“Our team then conducts direct field contacts, which include door knocks, operations, or operations including door knocks to ensure those firearms are safely relinquished,” L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said.
Luna noted that victims also need to let the courts know if their abuser has unregistered guns.
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