An anti-violence plan that Toronto police say has helped reduce crime in the city by nearly 30 per cent is getting a significant financial boost from the province.

Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Rick Bartolucci on Tuesday announced $10 million in funding over two years for the Toronto Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy.

The strategy, also known as TAVIS, was established by the Toronto Police Service in 2006 to combat gangs, drugs and illegal weapons. Since then, it has led to the removal of some 600 guns from city streets and more than 14,000 arrests.

"We have to be able to plan longer term, because that what the criminal element does," said Bartolucci, speaking at TPS's 12 Division, located in an area that has seen five gun-related homicides since April.

The new money will allow the force to create four rapid response teams of 18 officers each, said police Chief Bill Blair. One team will be responsible specifically for the entertainment district, a popular tourist hot spot.

'We have experienced crime reduction numbers in this city that are without precedent anywhere in North America — a consistent and steady decline in crime and victimization in our city.'—Bill Blair, Toronto police chief

The teams will be able to move quickly into an area where violence has occurred or is likely to occur, Blair said. In the past, TAVIS resources have also been used to boost the number of police officers in city schools and develop "arms reduction strategies" tailored for specific neighbourhoods, he added.

"It's making a difference," Blair said. "We have experienced crime reduction numbers in this city that are without precedent anywhere in North America — a consistent and steady decline in crime and victimization in our city."

While Division 12, a west-side area of the city bordering the Humber River, has been facing a "very serious violent crime problem" in 2009, Blair was optimistic the force has been taking the right steps to solve it.

"We are dealing with that problem, and I think that we're dealing with it the right way and an effective way," said Blair.

"There are still going to be violent occurrences. Our intent is to improve the quality of life in our neighbourhoods, to make them safer places."

Tuesday's funding announcement is the second significant provincial investment in anti-violence measures in three weeks.

Queen's Park handed out $8.9 million in late June to 17 police forces across Ontario for their own rapid response teams.

Bartolucci said the recession could not deter the province from investing in the anti-crime strategies.

"In these very, very serious economic times, tough decisions have to be made," Bartolucci said.

"And this was a decision that was necessary because safe streets are important to this government [and] to the city of Toronto."

Since 2006, Ontario has invested $27 million in TAVIS.