Monroe County partnering with RochesterWorks! to offer jobs in attempt to curb violent crime

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — A new Monroe County program is aiming to curb violent crime in Rochester at its roots.

The ROC SEEDS (Safety, Economic Empowerment, Development, and Support) Program is a new initiative to try and keep people between the ages of 18 and 24 from entering a life of crime.

The goal is to get young adults in areas with high incidences of violent crime set up with job programs through RochesterWorks! before they get involved with any illegal activity.

"Once we’re dealing with a homicide in our community, when we’re dealing with an assault, we’re too late," said Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said. "We have to be there before it happens."

The program will target ZIP codes 14605, 14606, 14608, 14609, 14611, 14613, 14615, 14619, and 14621 and will get $450,000 as the first phase of funding.

It comes as part of a $2.25 million investment to curb gun violence in “cluster zones” in Upstate New York.

All jobs will pay at least $15 per hour, though some employers may offer a higher wage. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis online.