Suicide Prevention Effects of Extreme Risk Protection Order Laws in Four States

Records from four ERPO states (CA, CT, MD, WA) were used to determine the number of ERPOs needed to save one life. The authors found that one suicide was prevented for every 17–23 ERPOs issued. The effects were slightly greater among ERPO respondents with documented suicidality, estimating that for every 13–18 ERPOs issued, one suicide is prevented.