Enhancing Real-Time Crime Response and Public Safety
On December 4, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with local, state, and federal first responder partners, launched its new Regional Investigative Operations Center (RIOC) — a state-of-the-art Real-Time Crime Center, first of its kind in Western NY, designed to strengthen law enforcement coordination, streamline investigations, and improve public safety across Monroe County and the surrounding region.
Through strong partnerships with regional law enforcement agencies, fire, EMS, the Monroe Crime Analysis Center (MCAC), the Rochester Threat Advisory Committee (ROCTAC), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the RIOC addresses the growing risks of targeted violence and domestic violent extremism, as well as assists with developing critical incidents, crime patterns, missing persons, weather-related emergencies, and much more. It is staffed by deputies and analysts specifically trained in identifying, assessing, and mitigating threats of mass violence. There is additionally a component to plan for large-scale multi-jurisdictional events that draw large crowds, such as the PGA.
The RIOC integrates the latest technology, real-time data analysis, and collaboration between multiple law enforcement partners to provide immediate intelligence and situational awareness during active incidents and ongoing investigations. The center allows analysts and deputies to link directly to public safety alarm systems, camera networks, license plate readers, Drone as First Responder technology, and up-to-the-minute crime data to support responding deputies, police, investigators, fire, EMS, and other critical service providers in the field. This facility changes the paradigm of policing and is a true force multiplier, putting all the information law enforcement officers on patrol need at their fingertips in one location.
“The RIOC is a game-changer for our region and a major step forward in how we protect and serve our community,” said Monroe County Sheriff Todd K. Baxter. “This center gets critical information to the right people, especially first responders on the ground, in real time, helping prevent violence, solve cases faster, and keep our citizens and first responders safer. As we expand our capabilities, we remain committed to protecting privacy and securing the data we collect. Public safety is a team effort, and through the RIOC, we’re combining cutting-edge technology with strong partnerships across DCJS, our Crime Analysis Centers, Emergency Management, and local law enforcement to make our region safer – together.”
In developing this center, significant steps were taken to ensure that technology is used in accordance with our Constitution and laws, as well as federal and state regulations, while respecting the community’s privacy expectations. RIOC is taking proactive measures to protect personal information, recognizing its value to all individuals.
Transparency is a fundamental cornerstone of RIOC, as it works to make information available to the public. Links are being added to the Sheriff’s Office website so citizens can see what’s being done in the RIOC and how it may affect their neighborhoods.
“The RIOC is a 21st-century real-time crime center that represents a major step forward in how our local law enforcement agencies work together to keep our community safe,” said County Executive Adam Bello. “Part of the historic $7.3 million investment my administration made in the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the RIOC will improve communication and coordination among multiple law enforcement agencies and will feature the latest technology and tools to improve investigations and police response times, prevent crime before it happens, deliver critical crime data analysis, and much more. This is an investment in smarter policing, stronger partnerships, and a safer future for every Monroe County resident.”
The new center supports regional collaboration, enabling agencies across jurisdictions to share information in real time. This cooperative approach enhances the collective ability to respond to violent crime, locate missing persons, and address emerging threats with greater precision. Regardless of the patch on a responding officer’s sleeve, they can all work together to solve crimes more quickly, tend to victims faster, and operate more efficiently as one team.
The RIOC was made possible thanks to $11.7 million that MCSO pursued and was awarded as part of a $127 million New York State Division of Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Technology grant. A portion of these funds was allocated to the purchase of technology, license plate readers, cameras for security areas, body-worn cameras, and in-car cameras mounted on patrol car dashboards. All of these tools have the ability to feed live video into the RIOC in an effort to prepare and respond.
In addition to local and state partnerships, federal partners, including the FBI Task Force, are assisting with investigating threats. This federal cooperation aids in the effort to be as best prepared for an emergency, disaster, or a mass critical incident involving targeted violence. Critical funding at the federal level, $940,000 in 2024 earmarked specifically for RIOC, punctuates the commitment and investment in the Greater Rochester community’s safety.
The facility’s capabilities also include threat assessment management through the Rochester Threat Advisory Committee (ROCTAC). While not every act of targeted violence can be prevented, information is shared, and professionals in the community work together within a unified framework to prevent acts of violence and violent extremism.
As the RIOC build-out continues, the next phase (Spring 2026) includes growing many programs. They plan to launch the Drone as a First Responder Program, utilizing remotely piloted drones to provide real-time situational awareness. A pilot sitting in the Operations Center will be able to control the drone, get it to the scene of an unfolding incident, and relay critical information to first responders on scene with a 360-degree view from the sky.
Additionally, they plan to deploy License Plate Readers as a means for solving crimes and enhancing public safety. This tool allows law enforcement officers to quickly identify stolen vehicles, locate missing persons, and deter criminal activity. LPRs provide invaluable data-driven insights that can help apprehend dangerous suspects and reunite families faster in emergencies. When every second counts, this technology can make all the difference.
The RIOC is an investment in our collective public safety, with the best interests of the entire community at the forefront of its operations.
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