Gun violence has been reduced in Orlando neighborhoods thanks to an intervention program. Here’s how

Orlando, Florida. – The level of gun violence in eight different Orlando neighborhoods, including Parramore, Rosemont and Mercy Drive, has been declining in recent months, according to city officials.

Orlando residents like Marlon McLeod are happy and relieved to see the decline.

McLeod, who has lived in Parramore for the past six years, told News 6 he has seen fewer shootings over the past year.

“It’s good to see that change,” McLeod said. “It’s very important to see for the young people and for my own safety.”

City officials attributed the driving force behind the change to Peace Orlando, a gun violence prevention program organized under the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition that aims to impact Orlando neighborhoods.

“During the first year of programming, we hired an independent evaluator to come in and review the program. They found a reduction in shootings citywide of 43%. Reductions in gunshot wounds of 36%. Reductions in homicides of 20%,” said Abraham Morris, manager of Orlando Children Youth and Families.

Raysean Brown, founder of Peace Orlando, said the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition program has had a positive impact through services including cognitive behavioral therapy, job readiness and mentoring programs.

Brown said Peace Orlando hires what the organization calls “Neighborhood Change Associates” to connect with people who are considered at risk of being involved in or causing gun violence. The intervention program helps decrease the likelihood of them becoming involved in violent crime by providing them with mentorship and resources they otherwise wouldn’t have.

“We’re putting someone in that community who is from that community (and) has a lot of community pride to do the work and help identify these individuals through the trust and relationships that have already been built,” Brown said.

Brown said crime intervention programs like Peace Orlando are not a new concept and have been implemented across the country. However, it is the first of its kind in Orlando and Brown said he hopes to expand the program to nearby cities.

“Our goal is to continue to spread peace and push for it to expand,” Brown said.

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