Bend Police make most use of Red Flag Law across state

(Update: more information, statistics)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Oregon's Red Flag Law allows police, family or roommates to ask a court for an Extreme Risk Protection Order to remove firearms or other weapons from someone considered at risk of endangering themselves or others.

If approved, it will direct removal of a weapon or concealed handgun license from someone at risk for suicide or is a danger to others. 

 “When an officer files for an Extreme Risk Protection Order, what they’re doing is, they’re writing an affidavit that basically says this person is unstable, they have mental health issues or they’re in mental distress and they have access to firearms," Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said Thursday.

As part of the process, Miller said a hearing is held within three days after the request is filed. 

"If the court rules in favor of the order, then the person who has the firearms has 24 hours to turn them over," Miller said.

The order is effective for a year before the person is re-evaluated.

Oregon's Red Flag Law went into effect in January 2018. 

Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz told city councilors Wednesday evening that the city makes the highest use in the state of Oregon's Red Flag Law.

In 2020, 95 ERPOs were filed statewide, 19 of which were in Deschutes County. Of those, 16 were initiated by Bend PD.

In 2021, Deschutes County had 24 protection orders filed, 15 of which were also from Bend PD.

So far this year, Bend PD has initiated five of the six orders filed within the county.  

"If we can help prevent someone being injured or killed by firearms, that’s really important and it’s something we have a responsibility in our community to do," Miller said.