LTC 119-2004 Current Stratergies In Policing CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. 9-2oo4
To:
From:
Subject:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez ~
City Manager ~ ~"~
CURRENT STRATEGIES IN POLICING
Date: May 18, 2004
This Letter to the Commission is to provide an update on policing strategies being used to deal with
the tremendous growth in popularity of Miami Beach.
Ensudng the public safety dudng these changing times has mandated a new approach to fighting
crime with limited resources. To make the best possible use of patrol personnel, a Shift Overlap
Initiative was launched in January 2004. This proactive policing strategy utilizes the first hour of the
officer's shift, which overlaps with the previous shift to target problematic areas and focus on qualify
of life type crimes such as drinking in public and aggressive driving. The overlap period occurs
three times each day and provides the Police Department with the manpower needed to set the tone
for the rest of the shift. With the effort being made during this overlap period, crime is down 1.7
percent and arrests are up 34.4% as compared to the first four months of 2003.
Combating prostitution has also been a major focus. On March 27, Apdl 17, and May 8th
prostitution details were conducted resulting in the arrest of 72 prostitutes. With the renewed
support of the judicial system and State Attomey's Office, enrollment in the Mapping Program has
increased and higher bond amounts are being utilized. Community policing tax resources have also
been used to add officers to the South Pointe and City Center redevelopment areas. This has
added an enhanced patrol presence for the problematic nightclubs south of 5th street and in the
parks in the South Pointe and City Center areas. This RDA funding is also providing for further
missions by the Homeless Outreach Team.
To further maximize police coverage during peak pedods, the work schedules in the Patrol Division
were also modified to increase the amount of officers working on the weekends. A Crime
Suppression Team was also added to the midnight shift as well as additional beach coverage on the
afternoon shift. There is also a Command Staff member working each weekend as the Staff Duty
Officer. In recognition of the greatly increased demands for service, the Police Department is also in
the process of hiring an additional fifteen officers which will bring the Police Department up to the
authorized staffing level of 381 by June 2004. These changes in manpower allocation are designed
to enable the Police Department to achieve its number one goal of creating the safest community of
its kind by being crime fighting professionals and delivering personalized service to everyone 24/7.
I have asked my assistant to schedule a bdeflng with you, the Police Chief and myself to further
discuss our policing efforts.
JMG\DWD\tr
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