(Rochester, N.Y.) - Late Thursday afternoon, Rochester's police chief responded to the police union's call for changes--including smaller police sections, more community policing and dual patrols.
"I can tell you this when it comes to officer safety...this is not about buildings,” Chief David Moore said. “It’s about officers on the street and how they respond to the community.
"I, more than anyone, want to ensure our officers are safe. When these young men and women graduate from the academy, I tell their parents, we will ensure their safety."
Chief Moore said it’s doubtful the department will return to sections because it's not cost-efficient.
He said police can still interact with residents on their beat much the same as they did before.
In a statement issued later Thursday evening, Mayor Duffy said, "There is no way we can ever connect this tragic shooting with the number of police stations in the city."
In the same statement he said, "The cold-blooded shooting of Officer DiPonzio had nothing to do with police-community relations and allegedly had everything to do with a troubled 14-year-old."
