FBI's 30th Most Dangerous City: Rochester, New York

Rochester has long had a reputation as being one of the more dangerous cities in the state of New York. Crime has been on the rise and citizens have been demanding changes.

On Monday, November 19, 2007, the FBI released a list of the most dangerous cities. Rochester, NY ranked 30th on the list, which is not surprising, considering the fact that there were three homicides within twenty-four hours over the weekend, which were reported on by News 10 NBC.

It is hard to fathom that such a violent crime-spree could have taken place, considering the zero-tolerance policy that was implemented by Mayor Bob Duffy and Police Chief David Moore. Extra policemen are on patrol for longer shifts. Their presence is required every day, regardless of holiday. It's very expensive, running an average of $50,000 a day, but Mayor Duffy is willing to sacrifice other areas of the city budget in order to maintain his program.

Also, Mayor Duffy has requested another restructuring of the police department. Before resigning his post as the Chief of Police in order to run for mayor, Duffy changed the neighborhood-based system to an east-west system. Some people have been questioning this decision, especially in light of an upswing in violence over the last few years. No word yet as to what his specific requested changes are.

Living in the city, I can say that I have noticed extra patrols driving around at night, and it has seemed much calmer in my own neighborhood. But if zero-tolerance is working so well, why do we continue to have days such as last weekend?

Local neighborhoods are stepping up to the plate and trying to take back the streets on their own. There are neighborhood coalitions that meet on a regular basis to discuss issues and try to implement solutions. Often, residents have a chance to meet with actual officers. My street, and the adjoining ones, have set up an e-mail alert system. All homeowners are invited to participate. We keep a database of everyone's address and phone number and instantly post anything strange that goes on in the neighborhood. No one hesitates to call 911 if necessary, then results are immediately posted. Everyone knows who lives in the neighborhood and who doesn't belong. We work together to encourage landlords to evict tenants who pose a threat and for them to find law-abiding citizens. You can find us out on the streets walking our dogs or just congregating to chat. We even try to have an annual cookout in order to meet new neighbors.

In some neighborhoods, people have started walking the streets along with policemen, ready to report any suspicious behavior. They hold demonstrations and plea with the local gangs to give up lay down their arms and not to worry about turning in suspected criminals. Our local news stations frequently cover such activities.

Mayor Duffy has also been working on many plans to revitalize the Downtown Rochester area, including new plans for Midtown Plaza. Improving Downtown could help make the city a better place.;

Many people in the Rochester area are dedicated to bringing the city back to the people. They are working together with the police, in the hopes that maybe we can move further down that list next year.