Orlando leaders approve new program to help combat gun violence

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando leaders approved a new program to help combat gun violence on Monday.

The Community Violence Intervention program is aimed at using federal funding trying to cut gun violence in half by developing a program between leaders and police to figure out who is most at risk.

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City commissioners plan to look at four models used in other major cities, using $1.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act develop a specific, unique plan to curb gun violence in Orlando.

The city said when done in other areas, it’s been successful at reducing violence within the first six months to a year.

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“Today is a great day, especially in light of another child that has been murdered right here in the city of Orlando,” Commissioner Regina Hill said.

Over the weekend, 15-year-old Corey Jones was killed near Grand Avenue Elementary School. His killer hasn’t been found, and Orlando police said officers need help from the public to solve the case.

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Records show between June and December 2021, Orlando police responded to more than 200 shooting calls across the city.

Commissioners hope with one of these new plans, they can save more lives and help people in the program.

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“Deadly weapons are not the way to resolve conflict,” Commissioner Patti Sheehan said. “It’s having way too much of an impact on our young people. We have to try to do everything we can to keep the community safe.”

The city expects to have the program running by the summer.

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