The California Rifle and Pistol Association (CRPA), with support from NRA, recently challenged Los Angeles City’s refusal to be transparent and disclose records related to secretly obtained disposition orders used by LAPD to justify the destruction of firearms in its possession. It is estimated that thousands of firearms have been destroyed under the supposed authority of these “ghost” orders―which were never recorded in court records. CRPA has now prevailed in that lawsuit. As a result, the City has agreed to pay CRPA $35,000 as settlement for attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by the lawsuit.
The now disclosed records, in connection with other litigation efforts, have uncovered City policies that seek court orders as cover for destroying hundreds of thousands—if not millions—of dollars’ worth of firearms over the years. In many instances, such orders have allowed the City to destroy seized firearms without any notice to the owner, let alone after a court hearing with reasonable notice.
This lawsuit is an important victory for both California gun owners and the public alike to hold localities accountable. NRA and CRPA will continue to pursue legal challenges for the benefit of law abiding gun owners in the Golden State. For more information on important litigation continue to check your inbox and the Stand and Fight California web page.