Rochester Schools to Replace Police With Security Unit
The district plans to end its police contract by March 2027 to implement an internal safety and security system.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The Rochester City School District will phase out its contract with the Rochester Police Department by March 2027. The district is establishing an internal security infrastructure, including a command center and a mobile safety unit.
Why it matters
The transition follows an uptick in vandalism within school facilities and on athletic fields. By moving to an internal team, the district aims to manage campus safety through its own dedicated staff and real-time monitoring.
The district has allocated nearly $500,000 for the new security plan within its 2026-27 budget, including $15,000 earmarked for technology command center upgrades. The contract with the Rochester Police Department is set to conclude in March 2027.
The players
Rochester City School District
This is the primary public school system serving students in Rochester, New York.
Rochester Police Department
This local law enforcement agency currently provides security services to the city's school district.
The details
The district plans to replace police patrols during student pick up and drop off with an internal team supported by a new associate director of safety and security. While the new unit will manage daily operations, the district will continue to contact 911 for police assistance during serious security incidents.
Timeline
The current contract with the Rochester Police Department ends in March 2027.
Community partner discussions are expected to conclude by December 2026 or January 2027.
A student, parent, and staff task force will submit recommendations by January 30, 2027.
Legal Context
The district's shift follows broader trends in New York school districts moving toward internal safety models rather than relying on sworn police officers. This transition aligns with current efforts to redefine school safety roles while maintaining compliance with state safety and security standards.
Residents can expect a transition away from police presence during student arrival and departure times starting in March 2027. The district intends to utilize mobile security units to deter unauthorized individuals from lingering on school property.
The takeaway
The school district is moving toward a self-managed safety model to address localized vandalism and campus disturbances. Families should prepare for changes in security procedures at school entry and exit points as the new unit takes over responsibilities.
What happens next
A task force comprised of students, parents, and staff is scheduled to submit its formal budget and security recommendations by January 30, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about local updates regarding Law Enforcement efforts in the city.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHEC.
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