ROCHESTER, N.Y. — After the deadliest month Rochester has seen in years, the Rochester Police Department is taking extra steps to reduce the rate of violence.

Starting this weekend, RPD foot and bike patrols will be put in place targeting the areas where the most violent activity is taking place.

“We're seeing trends, and then we adjust our plan to address it; that's never gonna go away,” said Police Chief Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan.

A map on the RPD's open data portal shows where homicides have taken place this year.

(2021 Homicide Locations , Courtesy: Rochester Police Department)

Rochester police will be placing increased patrols in locations with higher rates of homicide and violence.

There have been 15 homicides so far, with seven of those in the Lake area, five in the Clinton area, two in the Genesee area, and one in the Goodman area.

RPD will also be increasing anti-violence efforts through the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative in areas that have historically seen the highest number of violent crimes. The department will also target those with a history of gun violence and take a closer look at those with a history of committing violent acts.

Additionally, police will make sure people are connected to resources like FACIT, PIC, and FIT, which the chief says will emphasize ending the cycle of retaliation.

The chief is also asking section captains to develop individual anti-violence strategies for their specific sections of the city.