On March 11, 2024, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, U.S. Congressman Joe Morelle, and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand made a significant announcement regarding the MCSO Regional Investigative Operations Center (RIOC), revealing the allocation of $940,000 in federal support through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024.

This funding will enhance our public safety efforts to secure critical infrastructure, address emerging crime patterns, to include organized retail theft, manage large-scale investigations involving multiple jurisdictions, locate missing or abducted persons and respond to terrorist threats. The RIOC is a tool that brings together the technology available to law enforcement, merged with the intelligence analysis of the Monroe Crime Analysis Center (MCAC), tips from the public and the work of the investigators and patrol deputies to mitigate identified crime and threats. The RIOC will also enhance ROCTAC, a first of its kind targeted threat management team in New York State.

The RIOC, is modeled after real time crime centers now in use in other municipalities across the country. It brings all of our technology, information, and operational control together in one location, providing valuable assistance to those investigators and deputies working the cases.

“The expectation of law enforcement today is to be proactive, not reactive," said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “We will continuously embrace innovation and stay on the cutting edge by blending technology and police work. This public safety funding is essential to our community’s security, and I thank our Senators and Congressman for their support.”

The RIOC will have access to data that is publicly available or voluntarily shared from participating businesses, residents, traffic cameras, etc. The use of this data will be strictly governed by policy and follow a thorough audit process. The RIOC will carefully balance the public safety data needs all while operating under the protections built within the US Constitution and the laws of NYS. 

“It’s essential to equip local law enforcement with the tools and resources they need to keep our community safe,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “I’m proud to have secured this funding through our annual Community Project Funding process to strengthen collaboration across law enforcement and better respond to threats. I’m grateful for the dedicated work of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and I look forward to continuing to work together to protect our neighborhoods.”

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “I’m glad we secured this vital $940,000 law enforcement investment to bolster the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Regional Investigative Operations Center (RIOC) in Rochester. Sheriff Baxter’s initiative marks a significant step forward in our relentless fight against gun violence and crime. By fostering an unprecedented partnership that includes law enforcement, educational institutions, social service agencies, private sector partners, and mental health professionals, the RIOC will be a beacon of collaborative and community-oriented violence prevention efforts. It will enhance the Threat Assessment Team’s capabilities to efficiently receive tips, track leads, and coordinate comprehensive violence intervention and prevention strategies across Monroe County. This investment not only underscores our commitment to creating safer neighborhoods, but is a powerful example of how federal investment combined with local expertise and partnership can strengthen our community by uniting diverse organizations towards the common goal of violence prevention.”

We appreciate the ongoing support of these Senators and Congressman in our mission to ensure community safety. We are also grateful to the Monroe County Executive and Legislators in particular the Public Safety Committee, for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding our community.

“The RIOC is an important public safety tool as crime doesn’t stop at municipal borders. The center has improved communication and coordination among our law enforcement agencies to help solve and prevent crime,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “Thank you Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand and Rep. Morelle for securing this funding, which bolsters this state-of-the-art facility and will help Sheriff Baxter and his deputies be proactive in ensuring public safety.”

“When I talk to neighbors, they tell me that they are most concerned with one thing – they want to feel safe,” said Monroe County Legislature Public Safety Committee Chair Dave Long. “This investment in the RIOC from our partners in government will help do just that. I want to thank Congressman Morelle and our U.S. Senators for their significant investment in the safety of our community.”

To learn more about the Regional Investigative Operations Center (RIOC) click here.

Deputy Brendan Hurley
Public Information Officer
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
MCSOCommunications@monroecounty.gov
(585) 753-4840