DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Durham County said in a statement on Friday that it has decided to discontinue its Bull City United program with immediate effect.

The decision means 14 full-time employees and 6 contract employees will lose their jobs.

based on Model for Treating ViolenceBull City United, a public health approach to reducing gun violence, was founded in November 2016 in response to increased gun violence in Durham County.

The program focused on addressing shootings in two census tracts with a team of seven staff members. In 2021, the City of Durham expanded the program, adding 18 additional staff members. We brought the total to 25 I work on six census tracts.

Bull City United in 2022 More than 1,300 mediations with the help of violence responders and staff. He also expanded his target area to include McDougald Terrace, Cornwallis and Oxford Manor.

The program operated on a budget of $2,577,913, of which $1,067,892 was supported by the City of Durham.

The district said it made the decision “after careful consideration over time.” The Community Intervention and Support Services (CISS) department will phase out the program.

“The CISS department is committed to facilitating a smooth transition by providing support and connecting individuals to career and professional development resources as they seek new opportunities at their request,” said Deputy County Director of Community Welfare Joanne Pierce.

The CISS department said it is “committed to exploring and supporting initiatives that effectively meet the changing needs of our community and provide a strategic and effective response to promote community safety and well-being.” It will continue to cooperate with internal and external partners on this issue. their expertise and insight.”

Bull City United Started in November 2016 and was modeled after a similar effort in Chicago to stop violence in Durham.

NOTE: The video is taken from a previous report and will be updated.