Community Liaison Officer

A Bridge During Unrest

I was appointed to the Rochester Police Department’s command staff as the Community Liaison Officer during the community unrest following the death of Daniel Prude. My assignment was to serve as a direct bridge between the protest community and law enforcement, promoting communication, understanding, and trust during a deeply challenging time.

Listening on the Front Line

My responsibilities included explaining law enforcement’s rules of engagement and protesters’ constitutional rights, organizing “Sit, Listen, and Learn” sessions with protest leaders and key community stakeholders, and maintaining frontline communication during demonstrations. Through active listening, dialogue, and de-escalation, I worked to address concerns, reduce tensions, and support public safety while respecting the right to peaceful protest.

Faith Communities and Police Reform

My assignment also included working directly with faith-based communities and community partners to strengthen relationships and communication with the Rochester Police Department. This work supported the City of Rochester’s response to New York State Executive Order 203, issued by Governor Andrew Cuomo, which required a community-informed police reform plan and linked compliance to continued funding eligibility. I helped develop an outline for the City’s community partnership efforts, emphasizing meaningful dialogue, collaborative problem-solving, and stronger relationships between law enforcement and the communities we served.

In the News

• WXXI News · September 26, 2020New interim police chief named for Rochester
• Democrat & Chronicle · September 27, 2020Moses Robinson, Gabriel Person named to RPD command staff: What to know about appointments
• Rochester Beacon · September 28, 2020Warren names RPD’s first female leader
• U.S. DOJ COPS Office, The Dispatch · May 2022Be the Bridge with New American/Refugee Communities, by Moses Robinson