Protective orders are requested by the police and issued by a judge. For example, police can ask for an Emergency Protective Order (EPO) to protect the victim(s) of a crime when the victim calls 911, and a judge can issue a Criminal Protective Order (CPO) to protect the victim(s) and/or witnesses if the accused is arrested and charged. If appropriate, Police can request an Emergency Protective Order if someone calls 911 or police for help and a judge approves it. This can happen at any time of the day or night and the officer would contact a judge for approval. Read More