June 23rd, 2022
Legislation will provide funding for increased police staffing and violence prevention programs
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello joined Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter today to sign new legislation that will boost funding to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office by $8.5 million as part of a new anti-violence initiative. This will allow the Sheriff’s Office to add 11 deputies to support and back up the Rochester Police Department (RPD) and to keep Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) zones fully staffed.
“Increased violent crime in Monroe County, particularly in the City of Rochester, affects all of us and we can’t sit idle as our neighbors live in constant fear,” said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello. “It’s imperative we give our law enforcement partners the resources they need to combat violent crime and keep us safe – this anti-violence initiative is how we accomplish that.”
The new legislation will allow the MCSO to work in coordination with RPD Patrol Section Investigations and Major Crimes Unit to support the City of Rochester on violent felony investigations and continue omni-presence patrols. These additional patrol positions will effectively double the size of the MCSO Tactical Unit, giving agility and providing consistent staffing while improving resources for primary policing areas of responsibility.
“We welcome this anti-violence initiative with open arms as our deputies continue to assist the Rochester Police Department in the most violent neighborhoods,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “With a record number of murders in the City last year, and continued violence in the first half of this year, we recognize this pace cannot continue without the proper resources and support. I thank you County Executive, the Legislature and our citizens for this needed funding.”
The plan includes multi-disciplinary teams, connecting law enforcement, clergy and social workers to provide critical assistance for families directly impacted by violence. Additionally, it provides support for jail services aimed at breaking the cycle of violence, such as the Focused Deterrence Intervention program, which provides direct engagement with violent individuals to reduce repeat offenses. It also focuses on preparing incarcerated individuals for successful re-entry into our community.
“I am grateful to Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Sheriff Todd Baxter for this partnership that recognizes the true relationship between Rochester and Monroe County,’’ said Mayor Malik D. Evans. “Our Public Safety strategies in the city focus on prevention, intervention and suppression, and this initiative will advance the goals of all of those components. Working together to confront our challenges and maximize our opportunities is how we will create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester.’’
Additional County funding will help assist the City, towns and villages in illegal ATV and dirt bike enforcement.
