The number of extreme risk protection orders and temporary orders has steadily increased this year, according to data released Wednesday by New York state court officials. 

The state court system has unveiled an online dashboard that will publish data on applications for risk protection orders, how many have been issued, where the orders are being placed and demographic information, such as ages for the people who are subject to the orders. 

The data comes a year after state lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul agreed to expand the circumstances in which extreme risk protection orders can be applied for and issued. Known as a red flag law, the provision is meant to keep guns away from people deemed to be a danger to themselves or others. 

An application can be submitted by law enforcement, a prosecutor, school official, health care professional or a member of the person's family. 

Both applications and orders are on a sharp increase over the last year and a half. Since August of last year, there has been a minimum of 300 applications for risk protection orders each month as well as applications approved. The numbers peaked in March this year with 544 applications and a combined 543 orders approved. 

“I am pleased to announce this latest addition to the court system’s online data toolbox. ERPO applications have risen significantly in recent years, along with an increased interest in data relating to these filings," said Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas. "The ERPO dashboard, which will be updated daily, offers researchers, legislators, journalists, health professionals, advocacy groups and members of the public ready access to this critically important information. I am thankful to the court system’s Division of Technology and Court Research for the proficient rollout of this dynamic research tool."

But the increase in applications and orders have also led to State Police investigators calling for additional resources to handle the increased caseload. The State Police Investigators Association worries the paperwork could take law enforcement away from other crimes.