California How Can I Respond to a Gun Violence Emergency Protective Order (GV EPO) is a court order issued in California that orders a person to relinquish their firearms and ammunition. The GV EPO is designed to help protect a person from the risk of harm posed by a person who has threatened or committed acts of violence or made threats of violence. The GV EPO also prohibits the person from acquiring any new firearms or ammunition while the order is in effect. There are two types of GV EPO: Emergency Protective Order (EPO) and Gun Violence Restraining Order (GYRO). An Emergency Protective Order (EPO) can be issued by a judge at the request of law enforcement, a spouse, a cohabitant, family member or any other person who has reasonable proof that the person poses an immediate and present danger to himself/herself or others. An EPO can be issued without the person being present and without them being notified. The EPO is typically issued for a period of seven days and can be extended for up to 21 days if necessary. A Gun Violence Restraining Order (GYRO) is issued by a court upon request from the person, a family member, or any other person who has reasonable proof that the person poses a serious threat of violence to themselves or others. The GYRO is typically issued for one year, but can be extended for up to five years. In response to a GV EPO, the person must immediately surrender all firearms and ammunition in their possession to law enforcement, and must not acquire any new firearms or ammunition while the order is in effect. The person must also comply with any other requirements of the GV EPO, such as attending counseling, therapy, or other treatment options.