AG Investigates Rochester Officer Nicole Amatore

The New York Attorney General is reviewing an officer-involved shooting that left three police officers wounded.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an abstract municipal building facade, evoking the gravity of an ongoing legal investigation. — The New York Attorney General is conducting an independent review of Rochester Police Officer Nicole Amatore following a recent shooting incident. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The New York State Office of the Attorney General is investigating Rochester Police Department Officer Nicole Amatore following a shooting on Chili Avenue. Officer Amatore remains on administrative leave while the state conducts its required review.

Why it matters

State law mandates that the Attorney General investigate all incidents involving officer-involved shootings to ensure independent oversight. This process is standard procedure for the department and is currently underway.

Officer Nicole Amatore is currently on administrative leave while the Office of the Attorney General conducts an investigation that typically takes up to 12 months to complete.

The players

Nicole Amatore

She is a Rochester Police Department officer who was named 2026 Officer of the Year.

New York State Office of the Attorney General

This government office is responsible for conducting independent investigations into officer-involved shootings across the state.

The details

Three officers were shot during an encounter on Chili Avenue, where Officer Amatore returned fire and successfully stopped the gunman. The officer, who was named 2026 Officer of the Year, is now subject to the standard state-led investigation protocol.

Officer Nicole Amatore was named 2026 Officer of the Year in September 2026.

Legal Context

This investigation follows the mandatory review process established by New York state law for all officer-involved shootings. Such oversight mechanisms are intended to provide transparency by requiring independent state-level investigations in every case.

Local residents on Chili Avenue may see ongoing activity as the state investigation proceeds. The department and the city remain focused on the legal process surrounding the actions of the officers involved.

The takeaway

The state investigation into the Chili Avenue shooting will determine the next steps for Officer Amatore within the department. Residents should monitor official state updates for the eventual release of the investigative findings.