Are RPOs effective? Well, it’s difficult to prove a negative. For example, when an RPO is granted, was a future act of violence prevented? It’s almost impossible to know. Experience from Connecticut and Indiana, which have long experience with RPOs, suggest they have an impact. Research from studies in Connecticut suggest RPOs are effective in doubling the number of those being treated for outpatient mental health services. The RPO process may be a gateway to the treatment many desperately need. In Florida, FDLE records indicate that RPOs have been used over 1,700 times, with just about half becoming permanent (1 year) orders. This indicates that in at least half of the cases, the threat was serious.