End of Year Public Safety Press Conference - January 27, 2026

The City of Rochester held a public safety press conference on January 27, 2026, to review progress made in 2025 and outline ongoing efforts to reduce violence and improve community safety. Key highlights included a significant reduction in gun violence metrics, with shooting incidents, victims, and homicides falling by approximately 58-60% compared to 2021. The Rochester Fire Department reported increased service demands, successful reaccreditation of their urban search and rescue team, and expanded community engagement programs. The Police Department emphasized continued focus on targeted patrols, non-fatal shooting investigations, and new initiatives like the Strive program to reduce domestic violence. The Office of Violence Prevention and the Department of Recreation and Human Services highlighted their roles in youth engagement, mental health partnerships, and expanded programming including esports and summer camps to support prevention and intervention strategies. While no specific procurement contracts or budget allocations were detailed, the discussion underscored ongoing investments in public safety programs and community services to sustain these improvements.