(COLORADO) — On Monday, Sept. 29, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office launched a training program designed to help prevent school violence and student suicides.
The program, called ERPO Curriculum for Educators, explains how K-12 schools and universities can use Colorado’s Extreme Risk Protection Order law, which allows a judge to temporarily remove firearms from someone who poses a danger.
“Educators are often the first to notice when a student is struggling or showing signs of crisis,” said Attorney General Phil Weiser. “This training provides teachers, professors, administrators, school resource officers, and campus security with practical tools to intervene early and, when appropriate, use Colorado’s ERPO law to protect students and school communities. By focusing on prevention, we can give schools the confidence and resources to stop tragedy before it occurs.”
The program was developed in collaboration with Safe2Tell, with two modules for K-12 educators and two modules tailored for higher education faculty and staff. The Attorney General’s Office said the first module introduces the warning signs of potential gun violence and the basics of ERPOs, along with explaining how to work with school or campus threat assessment teams.
The second module provides a practical, step-by-step roadmap for filing an ERPO, illustrated with case studies and best practices.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the training was developed by the Colorado Department of Law to be scenario-based and accessible for busy educators. Each session lasts about 30 minutes, offers downloadable resources, and can be completed online at any time. Participants can also earn continuing education credit after completing the program, making it both a professional development opportunity and a safety resource.
The Attorney General’s Office said the ERPO curriculum for Educators builds on Attorney General Phil Weiser’s commitment to student safety and youth wellbeing by giving school leaders and staff practical tools to help protect students across Colorado.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline; this service provides 24/7 confidential support for anyone in crisis or emotional distress.
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