New York City is facing scrutiny over a $6 million taxpayer-funded program that aims to employ former convicts as "violence interrupters" to reduce street violence in high-crime neighborhoods. Under the initiative, ex-cons are being paid to work with licensed therapists to address underlying issues that may contribute to their past violent behavior. The program, which has been touted as a way to prevent recidivism and reduce crime rates, has sparked debate among officials and residents about its effectiveness and value to taxpayers. Critics argue that the cost of the program, which includes the therapists' fees, is too steep, especially given the city's ongoing struggles to fund essential services and infrastructure.


Exclusive | NYC shells out $6M in taxpayer dollars for shrinks to treat ex-con 'violence interrupters'  New York Post