Rochester’s Mayor Malik D. Evans announces ACTION team

Rochester, New York – A major shift in how Rochester handles certain 911 calls is on the horizon. Mayor Malik D. Evans has announced the creation of the ACTION Team, a dedicated community responder group aimed at tackling non-urgent incidents while easing the burden on law enforcement. The first phase of the initiative is expected to roll out in September 2025.

“Our creation of Rochester’s ACTION Team is in direct response to requests from our community,” Mayor Evans said. “This innovative program is a perfect complement to the other initiatives my administration has taken over the past few years to increase public safety resources in our community.”

A New Approach to Public Safety

The ACTION Team will be composed of full-time professionals trained in de-escalation and conflict resolution. Their mission? To swiftly respond to low-risk 911 calls—situations like trespassing and minor disturbances – allowing police officers to focus on more critical matters.

This model follows successful programs in cities like Albuquerque, NM, and Evanston, Ill., which have demonstrated that community responder teams can effectively reduce unnecessary police interactions while fostering a stronger sense of safety and support within neighborhoods.

Read also: Monroe County gears up for 15th annual “Pick Up The Parks” event on April 12

Strategic Implementation

Over the past year, Rochester officials collaborated with the Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP) to study the feasibility of this initiative. Their report lays out a phased approach, starting with an initial team of 10 responders operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. As the program evolves, more personnel will be added, service hours will expand to 24/7 coverage, and response capabilities will widen to include welfare checks and neighborhood disputes.

A key element of this plan is ensuring alignment with the Locust Club, Rochester’s police union, to integrate the new team smoothly within existing emergency response frameworks.

Additionally, 911 dispatchers will receive specialized training to screen calls for potential risks before sending ACTION Team members into the field.

The Role of the ACTION Team

Unlike the city’s Person in Crisis (PIC) Team, which primarily responds to mental health emergencies, the ACTION Team will focus on lower-level disturbances. However, both teams will be equipped with radios for immediate backup requests if situations escalate.

Mayor Evans stressed that this initiative is not just about reallocating resources—it’s about reimagining public safety. By leveraging trained professionals to handle minor incidents, Rochester aims to build a more responsive, community-focused safety network that prioritizes long-term well-being.

Read also: Young leaders and advocates in Monroe County to be honored for community impact

What’s Next?

With the official launch date less than two years away, the city now faces the challenge of finalizing protocols, recruiting and training team members, and strengthening partnerships across departments. While there’s still work to be done, the vision is clear: A Rochester where public safety is proactive, inclusive, and deeply connected to the needs of its people.

As September 2025 approaches, city officials will continue refining the program, making adjustments based on community feedback and operational insights. The journey toward a more balanced emergency response system has begun, and Rochester is ready to lead the way.