Suffolk County has the highest number of ‘red flag’ orders in the state.

They’re called ERPOs – or Extreme Risk Protection Orders -- which prevent people from having access to weapons.

A judge issues them after it’s been determined that someone is struggling with their mental health and could be a danger to themselves or others.

Deputies from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office act on an ERPO and remove weapons from homes if they’re there. An ERPO also means the person cannot purchase guns.

Suffolk Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. said that last year, 1,024 ERPOs were filed, and this year there have been more than 3,000.

The large spike doesn’t necessarily mean a major increase of people struggling with mental health.

The law is still fairly new, so ERPOs may be increasing as more people become aware of them.

The sheriff’s office says so far this year, 13 handguns and 64 long arms have been seized.

Members of law enforcement, family members, school officials and medical professionals can apply for ERPOs when they’re concerned about someone who may be struggling.