POLICY & OVERSIGHT
The Division of Policy and Oversight is dedicated to ensuring transparency, accountability, and equity in law enforcement by thoroughly reviewing the policies, procedures, patterns, and practices of the Rochester Police Department. Our refined policy assessments are designed to engage the broader community while establishing strong touchpoints with peer civilian oversight entities, research institutions, and public agencies.
The Breakdown
An actionable framework presenting structured policy, practice, and procedural recommendations to advance public safety.
Ongoing
Completed
What’s the 411?
A brief issue summary highlighting topical concerns, exploring relevant policies and case studies, and examining practical implications or misuse.
Ongoing
A Lens on…A Civilian Oversight Inquiry for Public Safety
A detailed research analysis featuring a targeted inquiry, clear assumptions, methodology, and key findings to lay the groundwork for long-term projects.
Ongoing
Completed
- This oversight investigation examines how the Rochester Police Department (RPD) responds to 911 calls for service. Using call-level data provided by the Monroe County Emergency Communications Department (ECD), this report examines the types of calls received by RPD, how these calls are prioritized, and how police response times vary over time, across different call types, priority levels, and geographic areas in the city.
From Call to Arrival – How RPD Responds to 911 Calls for Service — English version
De llamada a llegada – Cómo el DPR responde a llamadas de servicio de 911 — Versión en Español
- The PAB conducted an oversight investigation into the RPD’s policies related to discipline for officer misconduct, including the Locust Club collective bargaining agreement, the PSS Manual, RPD general orders, and the Rochester City Charter. The PAB also analyzed the RPD’s discipline data from PSS annual reports and the City of Rochester’s public discipline database.
- PAB conducted an oversight investigation into RPD’s use of force involving juveniles. PAB analyzed over 1,100 reports from December 27, 2021, to May 25, 2023, identifying 318 incidents involving 184 children. PAB mapped and categorized the incidents to show where they occurred and what techniques officers employed.
Final Report: Juvenile Use of Force: An Oversight Investigation
Uso de la fuerza contra menores:Una investigación de control
Proposal for Equitable Change: An Exploration of Policies, Practices, and Procedures for Public Safety
An actionable framework presenting structured policy, practice, and procedural recommendations to advance public safety.
Ongoing
Right to Know is closed to public feedback and has been submitted to the Rochester City Council for committee review. At this time, no date has been set for the proposal to be heard. You can read the RPD response to the proposal below.
A concise public explainer that simplifies complex topics, concerns, or systemic issues into clear manageable parts.
A detailed research analysis featuring a targeted inquiry, clear assumptions, methodology, and key findings to lay the groundwork for long-term projects.
An actionable framework presenting structured policy, practice, and procedural recommendations to advance public safety.
Completed
Data Transparency presentation slides
The PAB Data Transparency Proposal for Change is closed to public feedback and has been submitted to the Rochester Police Department.
Protest and Mass Gathering Proposal for Change
The Protest and Mass Gathering proposal for change is closed to public comment. The report and public feedback have been sent to the RPD.