Orlando leaders say gun violence prevention program is working, aim for expansion

ORLANDO, Fla. — City of Orlando leaders say the success of a gun violence prevention program has them aiming to expand it to other parts of the city.

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The Community Violence Intervention program has been operating since 2022 in Carver Shores, Holden Heights, Rosemont, Mercy Drive and Parramore.

A study found that since it started, gun homicides are down 20% in those neighborhoods, and non-fatal shootings have dropped by a third.

The city said the decreases saved taxpayers about $9 million.

Areas for the program expansion would include Lake Mann, Richmond Heights and Signal Hill, and would be paid for by a Department of Justice grant.

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