Law Enforcement Partnerships in Rochester

Federal, State and Local Law Enforcement Partnerships Have Produced Results in Rochester

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced sustained, significant progress against gun violence and vehicle thefts in the city of Rochester. The joint efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement have led to encouraging results. From January 1 through October 22, 2023, Rochester experienced a 17 percent decrease in shooting incidents with injury (217 vs. 261) and a 30 percent drop in the number of individuals killed by gun violence (39 vs. 56).

Reduction in Vehicle Thefts

The reduction in crime rates is not limited to gun violence, as vehicle thefts in the city also dropped by 38 percent when comparing thefts in June, the month with the highest number of thefts reported, to those reported in August, the month with the second-fewest thefts.

Partnerships and Collaborations

The success of this collaboration is a result of the vital partnerships developed between federal, state and local law enforcement. The ATF’s Rochester Violent Crime Task Force has been working tirelessly to bring federal charges against 112 defendants, seize 256 crime guns, including AK/AR style rifles and machine gun conversion devices, and help drive down the overall violent crime rate. Furthermore, police departments that participate in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, including Rochester Police, collectively have experienced the same decline in crime rates.

Comprehensive Strategy and Record Investments

The state’s comprehensive strategy to address gun violence and the surge in car thefts has received significant record-level investments including $36.2 million for the GIVE initiative in the FY24 Budget. This funding supports Governor Hochul’s multifaceted approach to address gun violence and improve public safety in communities across New York.

Crime Analysis Centers and Technology

The state’s Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the ATF established a unique partnership that allows Crime Analysis Centers supported by the state to access the agency’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). This allows police investigators to identify potential matches from different crime scenes in multiple jurisdictions across the state more quickly and accurately within 24 to 48 hours instead of a month and with a 99.6 percent accuracy rating. This technology is already operational and available at the Monroe center and several others in the state’s network.

Public Safety Investments and DMV

The $17 million for the Crime Analysis Center Network along with the $50 million available for police departments and sheriffs’ offices outside of New York City to purchase new technology and equipment to modernize their operations are further steps in the state’s effort to reduce crime rates and improve public safety. The Department of Motor Vehicles is also working closely with law enforcement partners and dealer partners to fight vehicle thefts, offering additional support to the overall effort.

Conclusion

The reduction in crime rates illustrates the positive outcome of effective collaboration among federal, state and local law enforcement to protect the community. Governor Hochul and partners are committed to expanding their work to combat the challenges of gun violence and car thefts in Rochester and throughout New York to create a safer environment for all residents.

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Originally Post From https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-sustained-significant-progress-against-gun-violence-and-vehicle