Rochester Reporter

Mayor Malik D. Evans has announced plans to establish a community responder team in Rochester, known as the ACTION Team. The initiative aims to launch its first phase by September 2025.

The ACTION Team will consist of full-time employees trained to handle low-risk 911 calls. Their expertise will include de-escalation, conflict resolution, and connecting individuals with necessary services. "Our creation of Rochester’s ACTION Team is in direct response to requests from our community," said Mayor Evans. "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."

The team will address non-violent and non-urgent calls, allowing law enforcement officers to focus on more serious situations. A key aspect of implementing this plan involves collaboration with the Locust Club to ensure activities align with the Rochester Police Department's current union contract.

This announcement follows over a year of exploring the concept of a community responder team. In 2023, the Mayor’s Office collaborated with Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP), and Mayor Evans has now released LEAP's recommendations for Rochester. City representatives also consulted with cities like Albuquerque, NM, and Evanston, Ill., which have successfully implemented similar teams.

LEAP's recommendations suggest a phased approach starting with 10 ACTION Team members operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., addressing specific call types such as trespassing and annoyance incidents. The city plans quarterly reviews for progress assessment and service delivery adjustments.

Future phases involve hiring more team members, extending service hours to round-the-clock coverage, and expanding call types handled by the team. The region’s Emergency Communications Center will screen incoming calls for disqualifiers before dispatching the ACTION Team.

The ACTION Team will report to the City’s Department of Recreation and Human Services while maintaining a distinct role from the Person in Crisis (PIC) Team. Unlike PIC members who respond alongside police officers during mental health crises, ACTION Team members will not be dispatched with police backup but can request assistance if needed.

Before launching in September, efforts will focus on establishing protocols, hiring and training new staff and operators, and building strong interdepartmental relationships within the city.