ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As summer approaches, cities across the country — including Rochester — are preparing for what has become a predictable, yet preventable trend: a seasonal uptick in violence.  

From longer daylight hours to larger public gatherings, both police and community leaders are working to stay ahead of potential issues, especially among youth.

What You Need To Know

  • The Rochester Police Department is preparing for a seasonal rise in violence by increasing patrols and using data-driven strategies

  • Community organizations like Operation GO are offering youth creative outlets to stay engaged and avoid street violence

  • Leaders and youth stress the importance of making positive choices and increasing access to supportive resources

"If you look through our open data portal or just crime stats in general, a lot of crime and a lot of violence is cyclical [and] weather dependent," said Captain Greg Bello of the Rochester Police Department. "It's 90 degrees, 100 degrees outside and people are outside hanging out in street cars, hanging out in parks, etc. Obviously, you can have an increase in crime that goes along with that."

Bello says the department is not waiting until summer arrives to act, and preparations are already underway.

"We work through the GIVE program, the Gun-Involved Violence Elimination program, which is through New York State and DCJS, so we increase our details during that time," Bello explained.

But while police prepare from the streets, community organizations are reaching youth in creative and collaborative ways. One such group is Operation GO, which works in partnership with Ashford Films to help young people tell their own stories through documentary filmmaking.

"We’ve recognized that there’s a need for collaboration in this work, and it requires support from the state," said Rashad Smith of Operation GO.

The program gives teens a literal and figurative lens to see themselves and their communities differently.

"You see a lot of youth engaged in unnecessary activities that they don't need to be involved in," Kyran Ashford of Ashford Films. "So, Operation GO has created a platform and a safe haven for children to expand their thinking and stretch their creativity and things that they've always wanted to do."

Youth participants say programs like these offer more than just an alternative — they offer clarity and direction.

"At a certain age, you know right from wrong," youth participant Malik Chiles said. "You may not know about all the programs or the best programs, you might know a few programs that you can join. If you don't join, there's nothing that you can say about not knowing or not having an opportunity because there are multiple opportunities to join programs like this one."

"There is nothing in these streets," youth participant Pierre McBride said. "Success will not come from being in these streets."

Rather than dwell on fear of future violence, Smith believes the city must focus on expanding access.

"I think the focus is not on the prediction of violence in the future but let us predict more resources and more opportunities for young people in the future," he said.

Bello agrees the solution goes beyond enforcement — it includes engagement at every level, especially from parents.

"Knowing where they are to help, twofold — number one, protects them from becoming a victim. Number two, prevent them from becoming suspects," said Bello.

Throughout the summer, the Rochester Police Department plans to continue increasing patrols and strengthening partnerships with grassroots organizations. The shared goal is prevention — rooted not just in presence, but in purpose.

As leaders, officers and young people alike emphasized: the power to choose something different, and something better, is already within reach.