When people find themselves as victims and survivors of abuse, it can be difficult to know who and how to ask for help. Law enforcement must believe victims, listen to their stories, and understand how to best help guide people to safety.
A protection order* is a civil court order that can legally restrict someone from committing future acts of harm or threats against the person who is protected by the order. Protection orders are filed for by a petitioner, the person requesting protection from harm, against a respondent, the person restrained by the order.
There are six types of civil protection orders available in Washington state that vary depending on the type of harm experienced and the relationship between the petitioner and restrained person.
*In other states, a protection order may also be referred to as a protective order or a restraining order.
**Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs) are sometimes referred to as “red flag laws.”
Are you a respondent in a protection order case? Learn more about the process.
Extreme Risk Protection Order
An Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) prevents individuals at high risk of harming themselves or others from accessing firearms by allowing family, household members, and police to obtain a court order when there is demonstrated evidence that the person poses a significant danger. A person with an ERPO cannot purchase or possess guns while the order is in place.
Extreme risk protection orders are unique as they allow law enforcement to file the petition.
Visit our ERPO page to learn more about how to recognize when one might be the best course of action, and how to help victims file.
The role law enforcement plays in serving protection orders is critical to the enforcement and effectiveness of protection orders. Above all else, officers can help keep victims and survivors safe from future harm as they navigate the process. As an officer of the law, protection order service is not a courtesy, it is law enforcement’s duty.
Protection orders can be particularly vital for intervening in high-risk situations and preventing escalation to more severe violence. They are often part of a larger safety plan developed with the help of advocates or legal professionals. Crimes such as stalking and sexual harassment are a predictable escalation to more profound violence and femicide.
When responding to in person calls, it is important to take a trauma-informed approach, survey your surroundings, and believe the victims. It’s easy to make snap judgments in high-intensity situations. Implementing tools like the domestic violence lethality screen for first responders is a great way to make sure you’re getting the full picture to help victims navigate this process safely.
Here are some things officers MAY NOT do as part of this process:
Serving protection orders, particularly in domestic violence cases can be dangerous for law enforcement officers. When thinking about your own safety, here are some important tips.
Pre-service planning and risk assessment: Before serving a protection order, gather as much information as possible about the respondent, including their criminal history, any known weapons, previous behavior, and the location where the order will be served.
Team approach and clear communication: Whenever possible, serve protection orders with at least two officers. Having backup provides additional safety and support in case the situation escalates. Maintain clear and constant communication with your partner and dispatch. Inform them of your location, estimated time of completion, and any changes in the situation.
Non-confrontational approach: Approach the respondent in a calm and professional manner. Use clear and respectful communication to explain the purpose of your visit and the contents of the protection order.
Document service: Accurately document the service of the protection order, including the date, time, location, and any relevant observations or interactions. This documentation can be critical for future legal proceedings.
Situational awareness: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Be mindful of entrances, exits, and any potential hazards or cover in the environment. Continuously assess the behavior and body language of the respondent for signs of agitation or aggression. Be prepared to de-escalate if necessary and have a plan in case the situation becomes unsafe.
Exit strategy: Have a clear and quick exit strategy in place. Know how to leave the scene swiftly if the situation deteriorates.
Training and support: Regular training on serving protection orders safely, de-escalation techniques, and self-defense can enhance officer readiness. Additionally, access to peer support and counseling can be beneficial for dealing with stressful encounters. Contact your department head or Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) for more resources.
Protection orders have a positive impact on improving public safety. By reducing individual cases of violence and harassment, protection orders contribute to overall community safety and a reduction in crime rates and incidents of repeat violence associated with domestic violence and related offenses.
Protection orders can act as a deterrent against further abusive behavior. The legal consequences of violating an order, such as arrest or prosecution, can discourage offenders from continuing their abusive actions.
Women are FIVE TIMES more likely to be murdered by an abusive partner when the abuser has access to a gun.
According to the CDC, about 41% of women and 26% of men experienced contact sexual violence, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner during their lifetime and reported a related impact.
Researchers found that in 68.2% of mass shootings from 2014-2019, the perpetrator either killed family or intimate partners or the shooter had a history of domestic violence.
© 2025 Washington State Protection Orders. Copyright © 2025 Office of Firearm Safety & Violence Prevention - Community Safety Unit, Washington State Department of Commerce
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