The Erie County Gun Violence Prevention Task Force and its partners are taking a proactive role in driving transformation. This work includes initiating meaningful actions, empowering others, and removing obstacles to help ensure lasting safety in our communities.
The Erie County Department of Health teaches healthcare providers about Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs). They also work with the New York State American Academy of Pediatrics to make it easier for doctors to ask the courts for an ERPO.
The Erie County Department of Social Services is implementing a youth employment program that provides specialized programming for youth at risk of gun violence.
Erie County Department of Probation expanded the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) to increase the number of visits to a probationer with a history of gun violence, supporting transition to life after incarceration. Additionally, Probation Department is expanding its implementation of New York State's GIVE strategy by launching focused deterrence check-in sessions, with gatherings held every other month at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library's Central Library. These check-ins bring together individuals at elevated risk for gun-related violence with law enforcement, community partners, and service providers to promote accountability, connect participants with supportive resources, and strengthen community violence prevention efforts.
The University at Buffalo School of Social Work and the University at Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions developed an environmental scan to describe current gun violence prevention activities.
The Erie County Gun Violence Prevention Task Force promotes a comprehensive approach to gun violence prevention by advancing firearm safety, education, awareness, community engagement, and evidence-informed prevention strategies. Through partnerships and public interactions, the Task Force shares resources, including gun locks and firearm safety information, while working to connect residents with tools and information that support safer communities. Community members and organizations interested in having prevention resources promoted at their events can submit a request through this Participation & Presentation Request Form.
Erie County's Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services leads a public awareness effort through on Domestic Violent Extremism Prevention to increase public awareness, encourage vigilance, and support community safety.