LTC 176-2002 CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No.
To:
From:
Subject:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez ~) ~
City Manager
PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES ON OCEAN DRIVE
Date: July 22, 2002
The purpose of this Letter to the Commission is to update the Mayor and Commission on
the Administration's initiatives in enhancing the police presence in and around Ocean
Drive.
As way of background, on March 15, 2002, an announcement was placed in the Police
Department's Official Bulletin for openings on the Ocean Drive beat. Four officers
responded to the announcement and selection interviews were set to take place May 8,
2002. On May 13, 2002, all four officers were transferred to the Bike Unit and have filled
open positions on Ocean Drive and Washington Avenue.
The Bike Unit on Ocean Drive is now at full staffing with the two vacant positions having
been filled.
On April 22, 2002, the Field Support Unit was created. One of the responsibilities of this
new unit was to oversee the Entertainment District. The unit is headed by Captain John
DiCenso and consists of Lieutenants Dan Reid and Angel Vazquez. Lieutenant Vazquez
was given charge of Ocean Drive.
A directive was issued mandating that Ocean Drive bike/beat officers will not be utilized to
meet minimum staffing requirements for the Patrol Division. This allowed Ocean Drive
bike/beat officers to maintain their daily assignments during those instances when staffing
needs required that officers in specialized units (Bikes, Motors, Beats) be used to
supplement routine Patrol Officer positions.
A directive has been issued regarding the enforcement of any noise or boom box violations
throughout the City. Specialized Units will primarily enforce these violations.
The day and afternoon shift Motor Squads have begun directed traffic enforcement in the
Ocean Drive area. Their primary assignment is to assist in maintaining an orderly flow of
traffic and to issue citations to motorists for violations of laws, including noise (loud radio),
driving while impaired (DUI) and obstruction of traffic violations.
The Homeless Outreach Team (H.O.T.) has conducted missions during the evening hours
a minimum of three times a week on Ocean Drive. The primary objective of the missions is
to make contact with the homeless population in order to offer available shelter and outline
Letter to the Commission
July 22, 2002
Page 2
existing services. In addition, stdct enforcement becomes the objective when shelter is not
available and/or violations of ordinances are observed (panhandling, disorderly intoxication,
etc.).
As of May 13, 2002, a designated beach patrol detail utilizing officers on ATVs or in a
4WD Jeep has been initiated on the midnight shift. One of the functions of this detail is to
direct individuals off the beach after closing hours. Thus far, the detail has met with
success and a minimal number of complaints from vacationers. The detail is assigned on
weekends and when staffing permits.
The afternoon shift Patrol Division has assigned a unit to patrol the beach when staffing
permits. The detail allows the unit to monitor individuals utilizing beach amenities and
provides 'high profile visibility" for vacationers.
An Environmental Survey was completed and some recommendations, such as placing
boulders to prevent entrance to South Pointe Park, have already been accomplished.
Additional signage and security measures will be implemented by our Public Works
Department. Their efforts serve to augment our routine service and have already
generated positive results.
We will continuously monitor this area and make the necessary adjustments as
appropriate. Should you require additional information please feel free to contact me.
JMG~i~D:AM:RM:PS:CN:HDC~
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