The Superior Court of Los Angeles County, in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (LADA), and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, has launched a new digital platform that automates the transmission of firearm relinquishment restraining order violations to Los Angeles County law enforcement agencies. The new system strengthens public safety and enhances efficiency, communication and coordination among justice partners, Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II announced today.
“The introduction of a new notification system and portal to address firearm relinquishment violations represent two significant milestones in how we collectively address gun violence in our communities,” Presiding Judge Tapia said. “These new systems ensure that individuals ordered by the court to relinquish firearms in domestic violence and other restraining cases surrender their weapons promptly, benefitting the safety and security of all Los Angeles County residents.”
Funded by a $4.12 million grant from the Judicial Council of California in 2023, and developed in collaboration with LASD, LAPD, LADA and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, the Court’s new digital platform automatically alerts the appropriate Los Angeles County law enforcement agency (LEA) when an individual fails to relinquish firearms, firearms parts, or ammunition as ordered under a domestic violence restraining order or other restraining orders. This new automated notification system replaces a previous manual, multi-layered process for court staff, enabling faster and more accurate communication with all 88 LEAs across Los Angeles County whenever a violation occurs within their jurisdiction.
“The launch of the Firearms Relinquishment Enforcement & Court Portal is a powerful step forward in preventing gun violence and protecting our communities,” Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert G. Luna said. “By automatically notifying law enforcement when individuals fail to surrender firearms, firearm parts, or ammunition as ordered by the Court, we can act quickly to ensure those weapons are removed from situations where they pose the greatest risk. This seamless coordination between the courts and law enforcement strengthens our ability to protect victims, hold offenders accountable, and strengthens public safety in LA County.”
In addition to the notification system, the Court has launched a new Firearm Relinquishment Portal, which streamlines interagency communications by providing justice partners with a centralized list of relevant cases for review. Initially launched as a pilot with LAPD, LASD, LADA and the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, the new portal allows justice partners to view all firearm relinquishment restraining order violations within their jurisdiction. In addition, the portal allows participating agencies to independently manage portal access to disseminate information within their organization and allows the Court to add new features in the future to expand information sharing.
“By working hand-in-hand with our justice system partners, we have established a system that allows law enforcement to respond in real-time when an individual prohibited from possessing firearms refuses to comply,” Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said. “This collaborative and coordinated response provides an opportunity to prevent violence before it occurs and potentially save lives.”
The portal will allow participating agencies to manage their users through the Court’s existing Justice Partner Portal. Following a successful pilot of the firearm relinquishment portal, the Court will onboard additional LEAs in 2026.
"This new digital portal exemplifies how ingenuity and technology can help us protect the public," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "Ensuring the swift and accurate notification and review of firearm relinquishment restraining order violations closes the gap between the courts and law enforcement and makes our community safer for everyone."
This initiative leverages technology to improve and streamline communication between the Court and law enforcement, as envisioned by SB 320 (Chaptered 685, Statutes of 2021), SB 899, and California Code, section 18120. By reducing human error and automating the transmission of firearm relinquishment orders, the Court’s new systems help ensure compliance with court orders to surrender firearms and promote public safety through more efficient, coordinated communication with LEAs and justice partners.
“My office looks forward to working with the Court and our partners to enhance firearms relinquishment laws,” Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto said. “The Court's new platform will allow law enforcement and prosecutors to act swiftly upon receiving notifications from the Court that a prohibited party is in possession of a firearm or ammunition, allowing us to better protect public safety. We thank the Superior Court of Los Angeles County for its collaborative work and the ongoing partnership.”
As the largest trial court in the nation, the Superior Court of Los Angeles County serves nearly 10 million residents across 36 courthouses and a jurisdiction spanning more than 4,000 square miles, including 88 cities, 140 unincorporated areas, and 88 law enforcement agencies. The Court remains steadfast in its mission to serve our community by providing equal access to justice through the fair, timely and effective resolution of all cases.
For more information on the Court’s current programs and services, follow the Court on X (@LASuperiorCourt), Instagram (@LASuperiorCourt), Threads (@LASuperiorCourt ), or visit the Court’s website, www.LACourt.ca.gov. |
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