Mayor Evans: Partnerships across agencies have helped to tackle shootings and other crimes

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Mayor Malik Evans and other city leaders say partnerships between multiple city, county, and state agencies have helped to tackle shootings and other crimes.

Evans said shootings in Rochester are still continuing to decline from their peak during the pandemic, with 2021 seeing among the highest levels of violence ever recorded. Earlier this month, the number of shootings in the past 365 days fell to below 200. That’s the lowest 365-rolling average since June of 2020.

“No level of gun violence is acceptable but we do need to talk about when we’re moving in the right trajectory,” he said.

Evans said partnerships between the Rochester Police Department and other agencies — including the U.S. ATF, the U.S. Marshals Office, New York State Police, and Monroe County Parole and Probation — have helped to reduce crime. Evans said those partnerships have not only helped to prevent shootings but other crimes — like confiscating illegal street vehicles. This year, authorities have confiscated and dismantled 150 dirt bikes and ATVs during city details.

“If you’re going to ride an ATV or dirt bike, ride them in the places where you’re supposed to. Not where you’re distracting people and almost hitting little kids and old people on the streets,” Evans said.

Evans also spoke about addressing the thefts of cars including Kias and Hyundais. According to the RPD Open Data Portal, car thefts totaled nearly 4,000 last year, nearly four times the total from the year earlier. This year so far, the total for car thefts is just over 1,800.

Evans said the Monroe County JEDS (Juvenile Enhanced Diversion Stabilization) Program has helped to address car thefts. The program gives youth accused of crimes, including car thefts, supervision and support to prevent future criminal behavior.

“I’m confident that the lessons from the JEDS program, which includes a focus on supporting offenders and entire families, is building important momentum in reaching these troubled youth beyond this Kia challenge,” Evans said.

You can see the full news conference in this story: