Get Involved: Violence Prevention
There is no “Public Safety” without the Public.
To accomplish our violence prevention and reduction goals, the entire community must be all in. Community members can productively participate in Rochester’s Public Safety efforts in many different ways. Visit this page often to learn about the latest volunteer and engagement opportunities.
Apply for the Flower City AmeriCorps
Flower City AmeriCorps offers a year-long paid apprenticeship in the field of human services. After orientation, members will embark on a hands-on apprenticeship at a local nonprofit or government agency where they will receive mentorship and training in one of the specialized service areas: community building, economic opportunity, health and wellness, or positive youth development.
Become a Part of Rochester’s Police and Citizens-Together Against Crime (PAC-TAC) Volunteers
The Rochester Police Department (RPD) and community partners are working together to keep Rochester safe. Police and Citizens-Together Against Crime (PAC-TAC) needs your help in order to make a difference in our community.
Does Your Child Love Music? Let them Rock out with ROCmusic
Keep your school age music lovers engaged over the Summer by signing them up for the ROCmusic Summer Academy. Students who have participated in the ROCmusic program or have played an instrument for a year are invited to apply for the program to build on their current level of musical skill and technique.
Donate to Street Outreach Teams Engaging Rochester’s Homeless
The program encourages people to keep their change – and donate instead to outreach teams that provide direct services to those on our streets. Numerous outreach teams already operate on the streets of Rochester, and work closely with City and County resources.
Donate to or Volunteer with the Rochester Peace Collective
The Rochester Peace Collective is a collaborative effort that guides investments from local funding organizations into innovative and proven programs that work to prevent violent crimes.
Get your Kids Involved with the RPD’s “On The Same Team” Program
The Rochester Police Department (RPD) provides several opportunities for young people ages 14 through college to help engage with Rochester's youth to further enhance positive police interactions. Young people are the future of our City and need to know that we are on the same team.
If you have a friend or family member who is in trouble with violence, drugs or gangs, or know about a dispute that is ongoing or about to happen, get in touch with Pathways to Peace.
Interested in Making a Difference? Become a ROC City Fellow
The City of Rochester's ROC City Fellows Program provides talented graduate and undergraduate students an introduction to the governance, operations, and administration of City government, to help them establish a strong path to a prosperous career.
If You See Something, Say Something! Provide Information and Help Keep Our Neighborhoods Safe
If you know anything about any criminal activity, call Crime Stoppers at (585) 423-9300. No one will ask your name and you may earn a cash reward if your information leads to an arrest. You will not be required to testify and you will not be identified.
Pillars of Hope are local African-American and Latinx professionals who volunteer to visit Rochester City School District (RCSD) schools, share their experiences and provide positive support to the students.
Join Your Neighborhood’s Police Citizen Interaction Committee
The Police Citizen Interaction Committee (PCIC) meetings are where police Captains, section staff and representatives from various neighborhood groups convene to discuss crime patterns, quality of life issues, environmental concerns, problem locations and crime statistics. Meetings are intended to be interactive, where everyone is encouraged to participate in an open dialogue.
Keep your Kids Learning and Engaged in Rochester’s Summer Enrichment Programs
The Office of Violence Prevention provides exciting opportunities for young people to expand their horizons and participate in developmental programs.
Nominate a Student for a “Do the Right Thing” Award
The goal of the Do the Right Thing program is to foster positive relationships between local law enforcement and youth in the community in an effort to end cycles of violence. The Do the Right Thing Awards program recognizes school aged youth for their bravery, courage and valor, such as volunteering, aiding law enforcement or other first responders, acts of heroism, leadership and positive role model behavior.
Provide Summer Intern Opportunities for Local Youth
We are actively recruiting worksites that can provide opportunities for youth interns from our program to engage in real-world work experiences in the community. The cost of employee wages is covered by the City of Rochester. The worksites are solely responsible for providing their interns with a meaningful work experience through coaching and mentoring.
Reach Out When you are in Need – Crisis Intervention Services are here to Help
The CISU provides response, support, intervention, and resource information to those affected by crisis, trauma, and crime. Scene response, mental and behavioral health response, and victim assistance are just some of the services offered.
Register your Budding Entrepreneur in the Biz Kid$ Program
The Biz Kid$ program provides interactive, applied business and entrepreneurial education to city youth ages 10-18. Keeping youth focused, working towards goals and offering opportunities are key components to violence prevention.
Sign Up for Programs and Activities with the Department of Recreation and Human Services
Keeping our youth entertained, engaged and curious is key to keeping them safe. The City of Rochester’s new R-Central online system makes it easier than ever to search, view, explore, enroll and pay for recreation programs, camps, leagues, activities and more!
Submit a Service Request to Make Your Neighborhood Safer
Let the City know about improvements and repairs your neighborhood needs to stay safe (fix streetlights, vacant lot clean-up, etc.).
Volunteer to Help your Local R-Center Provide Services and Programs to your Neighborhood
The Recreation Bureau always needs and benefits from volunteers at its R-Centers. Make a difference for our urban youth! If you are interested in volunteering, download the application.
Join a Community Advancing Recommendation Team and be a part of the collaboration between the Urban League, City of Rochester, Monroe County, and Rochester City School District to move the RASE recommendations ahead across our community.