RPD releases the results of Community Engagement Assessment

The Rochester Police Department has made public the outcomes of their Community Engagement Assessment, revealing areas for improvement in their engagement with the Rochester community. Chief David Smith highlighted the necessity for a symbiotic relationship between the public and police, emphasizing ongoing efforts to advance the department’s engagement strategies. This initiative is part of Rochester’s three-year involvement with the Department of Justice’s National Public Safety Partnership, aimed at reducing violence through community and technical support. The assessment, which included interviews with RPD officers, identified a need for enhanced community interaction and recommended training for officers to foster stronger public relationships. In response, RPD has implemented measures such as increased community involvement and communication, diversifying its workforce, and initiating collaborations with local organizations like the Urban League of Rochester. Training programs introduced include the Cultural Immersion Program and the Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics (ICAT) de-escalation program. These efforts align with the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Project Safe Neighborhood’s Training and Technical Assistance Program.
Watch full press conference here.
Source: Rochester First