Monroe County Sheriff gives presentation on efforts to address spike in violence

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Members of local law enforcement are keeping up their efforts to slow down the spike in violence.

Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter took his message to Holy Cross Catholic Church Monday night.

It was the first time he was able to give a presentation at a local church since the pandemic.

Baxter said evolving criminals make it more important than ever to have the whole community working together.

"People using team tactics with high-powered rifles, I mean it’s a different day from that standpoint," Baxter said. "We all need to do our part. If you’re on the prevention side, prevent the next crime working with young kids. When they’re little kids right? And keeping them on the right path. And if you’re on enforcement or if you’re on the recovery end of it. We all have a part to play. Just do your part and do it well."

Baxter also called for churches to open up their doors to kids and offer programs like basketball games and other ways to let them socialize.

When Sheriff Baxter previously addressed the spike in violence in the Rochester area, he mentioned that criminals are using "team tactics" that the Sheriff’s Office hasn’t seen before.

There have been 40 homicides in the city of Rochester so far in 2021.