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Rochester approves one-year STRIVE grant to target intimate partner violence; smoke-detector installation funded
Summary
The council's Public Safety Committee authorized a one-year New York State STRIVE grant to reduce intimate partner violence and appropriated funds for a smoke- and carbon-monoxide detector installation program. Members discussed training for responding officers and internal employee paid-leave policies for survivors.
The Rochester City Council's Public Safety Committee approved agreements to accept a one-year New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services STRIVE grant aimed at reducing intimate partner violence for the 2025-26 year and appropriated 2025-26 annual action plan funds for a smoke-detector and carbon-monoxide detector installation program.
The committee voted on both items without opposition. "Any funds that we can get to support the efforts of trying to minimize or eradicate domestic violence is definitely something I'll vote on," Vice President Harris said during the discussion.
Why it matters: The STRIVE grant is a new initiative from New York State for 2025-26; committee members and staff said this award is intended as a one-year award this cycle with the goal of applying again in future years if state funding continues. The grant funds are intended to support services and training related to domestic violence response.
Discussion points: Council Member Lupien asked about training for responding officers and whether additional training would accompany the grant. A Police Department representative told the committee that officers receive extensive domestic-violence training in the academy and through annual refreshers. The representative said training tied specifically to the STRIVE grant is "to be determined" but affirmed that officers who will respond under the program would receive training as grant processes are defined. "I can assure you that during the academy, all the officers receive extensive training in domestic violence," the representative said.
Committee members also raised city employment policy. A council member reminded employees about an internal paid-leave policy adopted earlier to allow city employees to take paid time off to assist immediate family members who are experiencing violence, saying the change was intended to remove a barrier to seeking help.
The committee also approved an appropriation for a smoke-detector and carbon-monoxide detector installation program for 2025-26. That item was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote with no opposition.
Outcome: Both the STRIVE grant agreement authorization and the detector-installation appropriation passed in committee with unanimous voice votes. Committee members asked administration and public-safety staff to return with details on training plans as STRIVE-program activities are defined.
Ending: The Public Safety Committee adjourned after approving the items and recording the council's expectation that training details and program implementation plans be provided as the grant is stood up.
