LTC 200-2020 Donation from the Greater Miami Miami Beach Police Foundation to the Miami Beach Police Department for Gas MasksMIAM[BFACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
200-2020
NO. LTC#
TO: Mayor Dan Gelber and Members ...."s
FROM: Jimmy L. Morales, City Manager t\-
DATE: June 3, 2020
SUBJECT: Donation from the Greater Miami Miami Beach Police Foundation to the Miami Beach
Police Department for Gas Masks
This Letter to the Mayor and Commission is to provide information regarding the donation of
$25,000 from the Greater Miami/ Miami Beach Police Foundation, Inc. (the "Foundation") originally
designated to be used for funding certain costs associated with the Ande 6C Rapid DNA Analysis
System. These funds are going to be reallocated to the purchase of 60 gas masks to be used by
the Miami Beach Police Department's Rapid Intervention Team (R.I.T.).
The original designation of the funds for certain costs associated with the Ande 6C Rapid DNA
Analysis System is no longer needed due to an agreement being formulated with the Miami-Dade
Police Department and City of Miami Police Department to utilize similar equipment already
deployed in their crime labs. This was determined to be a more efficient and cost-effective method
to analyze DNA in a timely manner. This new development in partnering with our local law
enforcement partners to share existing rapid DNA technology enables the Miami Beach Police
Department to use this generous donation for a more pressing current need.
The recent tragic death of Mr. George Floyd in Minneapolis and the subsequent peaceful protests
and civil unrest have required police departments throughout the country to be prepared to handle
peaceful protests that degenerate into potentially violent confrontations with destruction of
property and looting. The Miami Beach Police Department is committed to facilitating peaceful,
lawful protests but must be prepared for any eventuality. If there were to be an unfortunate event
of civil unrest occurring in the City of Miami Beach, the Rapid Intervention Team would be
deployed to protect citizens and property. A vital item of equipment for each member of the R.I.T.
is a gas mask. There is currently a deficit of 60 gas masks to appropriately equip the Rapid
Intervention Team. The Foundation has graciously agreed to allow the recently donated $25,000
to be reallocated from the Rapid DNA project to fully equipping the Rapid Intervention Team.
The Foundation is a Florida not-for-profit corporation whose mission is primarily dedicated to the
welfare of police officers and first responders in times of distress, helping support law enforcement
efforts in solving crimes by providing reward funds for witnesses to come forward with significant
information leading to an arrest and/or conviction, and supporting the law enforcement community
in their crime prevention and enforcement efforts.
The Miami Beach Police Department and City of Miami Beach are very appreciative of this
important donation from the Foundation. Please join me in extending our gratitude for their
generosity.
JLM:RCM:tr