Law enforcement chief executive officers’ support for removal of firearms in domestic violence cases

Purpose To enhance the safety of victim-survivors of intimate partner violence who are granted domestic violence restraining orders (DVROs), courts can or must prohibit DVRO respondents’ access to firearms. Law enforcement may be tasked with ensuring that the respondent does not have firearm access through the removal of any firearms the respondent already possesses. However, there is little information on law enforcement officers’ support for, or attitudes regarding this practice. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory study surveyed law enforcement chief executive officers (e.g. police chiefs and sheriffs) from three U.S. states (Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota). Using a binary logistic regression model and complete case analysis, we examined factors influencing officers’ support for DVRO firearm relinquishment. Findings Support for firearm relinquishment was associated with three key factors. First, agents concerned with victim-survivor safety in cases of firearm-involved intimate partner violence were more likely to support a firearm relinquishment policy. Second, perceptions of logistical barriers, such as resource constraints or risk to officer safety, reduced support for firearm relinquishment. Third, concerns about infringement on Second Amendment rights negatively influenced levels of support. Originality/value Law enforcement leaders would benefit from more robust guidelines around firearm relinquishment and removal. Offering clarity regarding how firearm relinquishment and removal may be served successfully, and the lethality that firearms pose in intimate settings, may allow for more support of such policies, ensuring the safety of victim-survivors of firearm violence.