As summer begins, violent crime continues on the streets of Rochester.  

This comes as there is still no official word about who will become the new permanent police chief for the city. But there is new information as to when the public can expect to learn more.

What You Need To Know

  • Rochester Mayor Malik Evans says the search for a new RPD chief "is going great"

  • The mayor’s office says to watch for an announcement about a new police chief by the end of the month

  • A spokesperson from the company conducting a search for a new chief said, “I can tell you something is going to shake loose soon”

Late Tuesday, Mayor Malik Evans’ office said to watch for an announcement by the end of the month, and once they have a name, they will share all the pertinent information.

The company hired to conduct a national search for a new chief, Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc., has been working to find the candidate for months. It advertises that it’s looking for someone to advance Evans’ priorities to reduce crime, build trust and improve public safety services throughout the city.

Initially, a candidate was to be announced in May. The mayor recently announced there would be an announcement in June.

“It’s going great,” Evans said outside City Hall on Tuesday when asked about the search. “[In the] next week or so. Look for an announcement in the next two weeks. Next two weeks.”

Chief David Smith has been overseeing the department on an interim basis during the search.

“I can tell you something is going to shake loose soon,” a spokesperson from Public Sector Search & Consulting said, indicating that a week to two weeks sounds about right.

"We’re looking for some stability in the Rochester Police Department,” a Rochester police official said.

Officers continue working without a permanent leader amid an increase in violent crime.