In a major development Friday, Durham County officials announced the suspension of Bull City United, a key anti-violence initiative. The decision, made by the Department of Community Intervention and Support Services (CISS), marks a significant shift in the county’s ongoing efforts to curb violence and ensure community safety.
In a statement, Assistant Public Health Manager Joanne Pierce emphasized the department’s commitment to refining its strategies. “The CISS department is dedicated to supporting smooth transitions for affected staff, connecting them with skills development resources and helping them explore new opportunities as needed,” Pierce said.
The suspension has resulted in the reduction of Bull City United’s workforce, impacting 14 full-time employees and six contract staff members. The program had come under scrutiny in August after several staff members were arrested, prompting a closer examination by Durham County officials.
While Bull City United has played a pivotal role in violence prevention efforts, county leaders have stressed the importance of reassessing programs to achieve lasting, impactful results. As the community reacts to the suspension, questions remain about the future of violence prevention efforts in Durham and how these changes will shape public safety in the months to come.
