Search the list: 577 South Australians banned from owning guns

The number of South Australians who police and the courts have declared should not be able to own guns has grown over the past year.

The number of South Australians considered too dangerous to own any gun because they may harm others or themselves has increased from 518 to 577 in one year.

The number of people banned as of this month is 577

Police can decide without referral to courts that someone should not be allowed to own a gun.

It gives them the power to take immediate action, even if based only on threats.

Courts can also ban gun ownership, but are far less active in doing so than police.

Of the total of 577 orders, 387 have been issued by the Police Commissioner and 190 by the courts.

But the courts are becoming more active in issuing gun bans. In May 2020, there were a total of 528 orders; 366 had been issued by the Commissioner and 162 by the courts.

Police by law must make public a list of those banned from owning a gun, to reassure victims, potential victims, and family members worried about those who may self-harm.

If anyone has concerns about self harm they should contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Originally published as Search the list: 577 South Australians banned from owning guns