Rochester Police Chief outlines priorities for leading the department

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Rochester Police Interim Chief David Smith announced his vision for the Rochester Police Department Monday morning.

Smith became the new interim RPD interim chief, following the resignation of Cynthia Herriott-Sullivan, who served in her role for one year. Herriott-Sullivan was initially hired to serve for a year, and that year ended Wednesday.

Chief Smith highlighted a few short term goals for the Rochester Police Department moving forward:

• Continue to work on compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order 203
• Enhance recruitment, specifically in regards to minority candidates
• Continue the work begun by Chief Herriott-Sullivan to modify the hiring process to include community input
• Continue to target strategically target known violent offenders in an effort to reduce violence
• Continue to work with our Federal and Local Partners to pursue Federal Criminal Charges where and when appropriate
• Expand the Departments media capabilities to enhance transparency
• Evaluate the Departments core functions and identify more efficient ways of operating due to the current personnel shortages
• Institute an Officer Wellness program

Chief Smith says he will continue to be a strong advocate for building relationships in the community through foot and bicycle patrol, as well as encouraging officers to participate in voluntary community programs in their area of assignment.