Vermont Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

In Vermont, who may petition for an extreme risk protection order to have firearms temporarily removed from an individual?

1. Family members only

2. Law enforcement officers only

3. Either family members or law enforcement officers

4. Neighbors

The correct answer is: Either family members or law enforcement officers

The correct answer is that either family members or law enforcement officers may petition for an extreme risk protection order in Vermont. This law is designed to address situations where an individual may pose a risk to themselves or others due to their current behavior or mental state. By allowing both family members and law enforcement officers to initiate the petition process, the law ensures that those who are most aware of a person's situation—whether personally related or in a professional capacity—can take preventive measures to enhance safety. This dual approach encourages community involvement while ensuring there are checks in place to address potential risks effectively. By contrast, limiting this authority only to family members would exclude important perspectives from law enforcement, who may have a broader understanding of the individual's threats or violence risk based on their experience. Similarly, if only law enforcement had the ability to petition, it might overlook crucial information that family members could provide about the individual's behavior at home. The law's inclusivity helps create a more comprehensive and effective mechanism for preventing potential harm.