Indiana's Jake Laird Law: Stakeholder Perspectives and Policy Recommendations

Abstract

Background: Indiana’s Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law—commonly known as Indiana’s “Red Flag” or “Jake Laird” law —allows law enforcement to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous. This report summarizes findings from a stakeholder survey examining knowledge, implementation practices, challenges, and perspectives on ERPO-related firearm seizures. Methods: Participants completed a structured questionnaire on experiences, training, challenges, and perceptions of Indiana’s ERPO law. The survey was sent to Indiana State Police, the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) President, and the Executive Director of the Indiana Sheriffs Association (ISA), who forwarded it to all 92 sheriffs. In total, 129 named recipients were invited; 18 responded. Recipient distribution was heavily concentrated in Marion County (77) and Boone County (33), with far fewer in other counties (Clinton 1, Hamilton 2, Morgan 13, Union 2, Vanderburgh 1), revealing geographic disparities that may have influenced the findings. All responses were collected anonymously. Findings: Stakeholders generally support the ERPO law as a harm-prevention tool but report challenges, including tight filing deadlines, limited mental health access in rural areas, and inconsistent training. Conclusion: While widely valued, Indiana’s ERPO law could be strengthened through expanded petition authority, enhanced training, greater mental health collaboration, public awareness, and improved transparency.