Rochester reorganizes patrols, gives officers walkable beats

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - City officials are hoping smaller, more walkable beats will improve relations between Rochester residents and police officers.

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports (https://on.rocne.ws/1HPaCYY ) that the city increased the number of patrol areas to make officers responsible for smaller beats. They hope it will allow officers to get to know the residents.

Police Chief Michael Ciminelli says the reorganization, which took effect Monday, is only a first step. The department will start a yearlong evaluation of the initiative after three months.

Mayor Lovely Warren says the overhaul has been more than a year in the making and hopes it will improve relations between the city and its officers.

But union officials are skeptical. They say residents won’t see change because the department hasn’t added more officers to the force.

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Information from: Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, https://www.democratandchronicle.com