041-1999 LTC
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
CITY HALL 1700 CONVENTION CENTER DRIVE MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA 33139
http:\\ci.miami-beach.fl.us
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L.T.C. No. 41- 1999
LETTER TO COMMISSION
February 16, 1999
TO: Mayor Neisen O. Kasdin and
Members of the City Co mission
FROM: Sergio Rodriguez
City Manager
SUBJECT: THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE AREA OF
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
This Letter to the Commission is to advise the Mayor and City Commission on the accomplishments
of the Police Department's Domestic Violence initiatives.
1998 has been a breakthrough period for the Miami Beach Police Department in its efforts to combat
domestic violence. What started out being identified as an area of concern with low arrest statistics
and limited resources, has quickly developed into a source of great pride and accomplishment. The
Police Departments's Domestic Violence Squad was challenged to become the change agent needed
to effect the necessary improvements.
To ensure that any efforts made to address domestic violence issues would be successful, a critical
review of all policies and procedures was conducted. Through research and planning, a structured
training program was initiated on a department-wide basis to educate both sworn and civilian
personnel on deficiencies found and to introduce new policies and procedures. Included in these
policies was a complete overhaul of the domestic violence standard operating procedures, which
include changes recommended by the Governor's Task Force Against Domestic and Sexual
Violence and the Florida Law Enforcement Research Coalition.
The progress made during the past year was not without serious obstacles. The Police Department
had to overcome a budgetary problem resulting from the loss of one of its two Federal grants. With
time running out and the possibility of reduced services looming, the Department located and
received residual funds from the State of Florida. The Police Department has recently applied for
a Federal Grant from the Violence Against Women Act (V A W A) which, if funded, will continue
services and elevate the Department to an even higher level of performance.
In November of 1998, the Police Departments's Criminal Investigation Division was reorganized
to emphasize the importance of domestic violence. In addition to the existing non-sworn Domestic
Violence Coordinators, one police sergeant and two detectives were assigned to the Domestic
Violence Squad full time.
In 1998, the Police Department handled 870 cases of reported domestic violence and made 187
arrests for domestic violence crimes.
In 1998, the Police Department participated in these significant projects, events or activities to
promote it's domestic violence efforts:
* March, 1998
* April, 1998
* April, 1998
* April, 1998
*May,1998
*October, 1998
*October, 1998
*October, 1998
* October, 1998
1998 Projects/Events/ Activities
In-Service Domestic and Sexual Violence Police Officer Training for over
300 law enforcement officers.
A Domestic Violence Awareness Purple Ribbon Campaign in recognition of
National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Each police department vehicle
displayed a purple ribbon on its antenna.
Community Awareness Project-Second Annual Miami Beach Police
Department Open House.
Community Awareness Project--Represent the Miami Beach Police
Department's Victims' Help Center at the "We Are Miami Beach"
Community Fair.
Community Awareness Project -Mass Literature Distribution of the
information brochure for the Miami Beach Police Departments' Victims' Help
Center.
Domestic Violence Awareness Seminar for the religious community of
Miami-Dade County.
Emergency Transportation Program for victims of crime on Miami Beach.
Community Awareness Seminar for High School students at Miami
Beach Senior High School.
Sponsored the 6th Annual Dade County Alliance Against Domestic Violence
Walk and Celebration of Courage.
We will update the City Commission periodically on our efforts to address these crimes.
SRl~/SRlMMS
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