WAYS TO
PARTICIPATE
Listening Sessions:
The listening session will identify the DVPO system’s processes that guide firearm surrender and the return of weapons, how the process begins, how agencies are connected and share information, how victims access services, and how offenders are held accountable. This structured and facilitated discussion will help us gain valuable insights into the policies, procedures, opportunities, and challenges related to these areas.
The Maryland Domestic Violence & Firearms Surrender Convening
Join us on April 28, 2026, for the Maryland Domestic Violence & Firearms Surrender Convening in Annapolis, Maryland!
BWJP with Maryland Department of Health’s Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention is hosting a statewide convening focused on strengthening safety for survivors of domestic violence across Maryland. This event will bring together multidisciplinary partners to strengthen policies, procedures, and coordination related to domestic violence protective order response and firearm surrender.
REGISTER FOR A VIRTUAL LISTENING SESSION
(People who have had an MD protective order against them). Your perspective is important. By sharing your experiences, you can help create safer systems and improve accountability in protective order and firearm surrender processes. Apply today. Participants will receive a gift card.
(People who have asked for an MD protective order). Your story matters. By sharing your lived experience, you help improve how protective orders and firearm surrender are implemented across Maryland. Apply today. Participants will receive a gift card.
These listening sessions are led by former law enforcement professionals and are designed to capture practical, real-world experience—what works best, what does not, and what support you need to improve safety and effectiveness. Your experience matters. Law enforcement is the cornerstone of effective service and firearm surrender. Bring your voice to the conversation and help shape solutions that reflect the realities of the job. This is not an audit or performance review. Participation is confidential. Comments will not be attributed to individuals, agencies, or counties. Your input will help inform statewide findings report.
Session 1: March 18, 2026, 11am -12pm
Session 2: March 23, 2026, 10am -11am
We are also offering in-person listening sessions for law enforcement where we would come to your office- To participate or learn more contact: Jennifer L. Waindle, (612) 400-6861, jwaindle@bwjp.org
CONTACT US
Process Mapping and Listening Session:
If you would like more information about this project, contact BWJP at
This project is funded by Grant # CFVPI-0002 awarded by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Center for Firearm Violence Prevention and Intervention.
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