The Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) serves as a central hub for initiatives aimed at reducing violence and promoting safety across the community, led by OVP Director Zequa Tookes. The Office operates with a mission to address systemic issues related to violence through innovative programs, community collaboration, and holistic interventions.

This Office is to coordinate and foster better internal and external partnerships to advance violence prevention. In addition to staffing City initiatives, we also collaborate with community-based organizations and agencies working to end violent crime.

Key programs under OVP include:

• Pathways to Peace: 
  • Street Outreach: Trusted outreach workers engage directly with individuals at risk of violence, mediating conflicts, offering resources, and guiding them toward safer alternatives.
  • School-Based Support: PTP is present in nine Rochester City School District (RCSD) schools, providing advocacy and direct support to students. The team works closely with school staff and families to address conflict, create support plans, and foster a positive school environment.
• Office of Neighborhood Safety: This initiative coordinates city-wide efforts to create safer neighborhoods through prevention strategies, community-led solutions, and partnerships with residents and agencies. It acts as a bridge between city resources and the community, ensuring trust and effective safety measures.
• Rochester Peace Collective: Supporting over 30 grassroots organizations, this network provides funding, resources, and collaboration opportunities to local groups working to prevent violence. By empowering these organizations, the collective ensures tailored and impactful interventions across Rochester. 
• Advance Peace – Peacemaker Fellowship: This program focuses on interrupting cycles of gun violence through a fellowship model. By mentoring and supporting individuals most impacted by violence, Advance Peace facilitates personal transformation and reduces gun-related incidents in the community.

Through these programs, OVP collaborates with community-based organizations and agencies to advance violence prevention and create a safer environment for all Rochester residents.