Can I call the police for loitering outside my building?

Yes. If the behaviour concerns safety or is disruptive, call the Rochester Police non-emergency reporting channel or 911 for immediate threats.

Will the police remove people who are loitering?

Police may warn, move people along, issue trespass notices, or refer for charges depending on the situation and available evidence.

Do I need a lawyer to report disorderly conduct?

No; you can file a report without a lawyer. For civil remedies against neighbors or to enforce landlord obligations, consult legal counsel or tenant assistance programs.

Report Disorderly Conduct or Loitering - Rochester

Public Safety New York 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026

In Rochester, New York tenants who face disorderly conduct or loitering near their building can report incidents to local enforcement, document evidence, and request follow-up. This guide explains how Rochester tenants can identify whether behaviour fits disorderly conduct or loitering, who enforces the rules, what penalties may apply, and the practical steps to report, appeal, and protect your tenancy and safety.

Understanding the law

Disorderly conduct and loitering are primarily governed at the state level; New York Penal Law describes disorderly conduct as a public-order offense and provides the statutory elements for enforcement. Local police and code enforcement officers in Rochester handle complaints on the ground, and prosecutors decide whether to charge under state law or pursue other remedies.^[1]

Report immediate threats to safety to 911; use non-emergency reporting for lower-risk incidents.

Penalties & Enforcement

Who enforces and how: the Rochester Police Department responds to complaints about disorderly conduct or loitering and may investigate, issue warnings, or refer cases to the Monroe County District Attorney for criminal charging. Code enforcement or property-related departments may address related civil or nuisance issues.

Enforcer: Rochester Police Department and, where applicable, Monroe County District Attorney or city code enforcement.
Complaint pathway: call police non-emergency or use the Rochester Police reporting page for non-emergencies.^[2]
Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing-offence ranges not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: warnings, court orders, or criminal charges; specific non-monetary sanctions not fully listed on the cited pages.

Document incidents with date, time, photos, and witness names to help enforcement and possible prosecution.

Applications & Forms

There is no standard city form specifically labeled for reporting disorderly conduct or loitering; reports are made through police reporting channels or by calling to request a police response. For related civil nuisance or property complaints, check city code enforcement pages for any required submission forms.

How enforcement works in practice

When you report, the police determine whether the behaviour meets statutory elements of disorderly conduct or constitutes a public nuisance. Officers may:

Take a report and gather evidence.
Issue a warning or trespass notice if appropriate.
Refer for criminal charging to the District Attorney.

A police report creates an official record that can support later action by the landlord or prosecutor.

What tenants can do - Action steps

Record dates, times, descriptions, and any photos or videos of the conduct.
Report non-emergencies to the Rochester Police Department via the official reporting page or call the non-emergency number.^[2]
Notify your landlord or property manager in writing; include copies of police reports and evidence.
If criminal conduct continues, request follow-up and ask about trespass or restraining options.

FAQ

Can I call the police for loitering outside my building?: Yes. If the behaviour concerns safety or is disruptive, call the Rochester Police non-emergency reporting channel or 911 for immediate threats.
Will the police remove people who are loitering?: Police may warn, move people along, issue trespass notices, or refer for charges depending on the situation and available evidence.
Do I need a lawyer to report disorderly conduct?: No; you can file a report without a lawyer. For civil remedies against neighbors or to enforce landlord obligations, consult legal counsel or tenant assistance programs.

How-To

Document the incident: write date, time, location, description, and collect photos or witness names.
Report to Rochester police using the non-emergency reporting page or call 911 for immediate danger.^[2]
Send a written notice to your landlord with copies of the report and evidence.
Follow up with the police department and, if needed, the District Attorney to check whether charges are filed.

Key Takeaways

Report incidents promptly to create an official record.
Preserve evidence and notify your landlord in writing.
Enforcement and penalties are handled by police and prosecutors under state law; specifics may not be listed on city pages.