Funding for community-based violence interrupter programs took center stage during the recent Gun Violence Task Force meeting in Prince George's County. The discussion highlighted the importance of continuing and potentially expanding investments in these programs, which aim to reduce gun violence through proactive community engagement.

A key recommendation emerged from the meeting: to assess the effectiveness of violence interrupters by considering a minimum threshold for their presence in the community. Participants noted that neighboring jurisdictions, such as Washington, D.C., have successfully deployed a greater number of violence interrupters, suggesting that a similar approach could yield significant benefits in Prince George's County.

One member emphasized the need for more full-time, paid staff in these roles to ensure a meaningful impact. "If we really want to see the results we're looking for, it would take having more full-time paid staff working as violence interrupters across key areas in the county," they stated.

Support for the initiative was strong, with another member praising the credibility of violence interrupters in reducing gun violence. They highlighted the essential role these individuals play in community safety and their connection to local residents, which is crucial for the success of any violence reduction strategy.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment to enhancing community safety through targeted investments in violence interruption efforts, with plans for further discussions and presentations on the topic in the coming months.