Resolution 2024-33004 RESOLUTION NO.1 2024-33004
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY
ADMINISTRATION TO ALLOCATE $62,000 FOR THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF A FIXED-TERM STARCHASE GPS TRACKING
DARTS PILOT PROGRAM INTENDED TO AID LAW ENFORCEMENT IN
TRACKING FLEEING CRIMINAL SUSPECTS AND STOLEN VEHICLES.
WHEREAS, at the January 31, 2024 City Commission meeting, pursuant to the
request of Mayor Steven Meiner, the City Commission directed the Miami Beach Police
Department (MBPD) to evaluate the merits, cost, and potential implementation of
StarChase GPS Tracking Darts to aid in the apprehension of fleeing criminal suspects,
and to report back to the City Commission at its February 21, 2024 meeting with a
recommendation for a potential pilot program; and
WHEREAS, StarChase GPS tracking darts are a new technology intended to aid
law enforcement agencies in tracking fleeing criminal suspects and stolen vehicles,while
simultaneously reducing the number of high-speed suspect vehicle pursuits; and
WHEREAS,the MBPD personnel initiated a thorough review of the StarChase dart
technology, including soliciting detailed information from the company and conducting a
search for alternative technologies, which did not yield any suitable comparable
alternatives to the StarChase vehicle-mounted and handheld tagging and tracking
products; and
WHEREAS, MBPD staff, alongside personnel from nine other law enforcement
agencies, attended a StarChase product demonstration on March 5th, 2024, hosted by
the Coconut Creek Police Department, where the StarChase system was found to be
easy to utilize and deploy; and
WHEREAS, the utilization of StarChase products as a de-escalation tool could
potentially allow for the remote tracking of felony vehicles, enabling officers to be directed
to the general area of the fleeing vehicle to effectuate an arrest when offenders exit the
vehicle and flee on foot, with the additional option of a portable version of the product
launched from a hand-held device for use by plain-clothes officers from the Department's
Strategic Enforcement Team (S.E.T.);
WHEREAS,to assess StarChases's usefulness for field operations, staff proposes
a fixed-term pilot deployment of the StarChase Tracking System, comprised of five (5)
vehicle-mounted StarChase systems and one (1) hand-held system, with associated
costs for this initial deployment, including vehicle installation, unlimited tracking darts,
training, and warranty for the three-year duration, estimated at approximately$62,000.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA that the Mayor and the City
Commission hereby authorize the City Administration to allocate $62,000 for the
implementation of a fixed-term StarChase GPS Tracking Darts Pilot Program intended to
aid law enforcement in tracking fleeing criminal suspects and stolen vehicles.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3 day of fIPr' 2024.
•
ATTEST: ,
7-4
7 20Z�
APR Steven Meiner, Mayor
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
011.48,4
INLORP OAATED=
104
26 ' •
APPROVED AS TO
FORM &LANGUAGE
&FOR EXECUTION
rtty Attorney lbt, Date
New Business and Commission Requests - R9 Al
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
DATE: April 3, 2024
SUBJECT: DISCUSS THE POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTATION OF STARCHASE GPS
TRACKING DARTS PILOT PROGRAM TO AID IN THE APPREHENSION
OF FLEEING CRIMINAL SUSPECTS.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
Mayor Steven Meiner placed a Resolution on the January 31, 2024 City Commission Agenda to
evaluate the merits, cost, and potential implementation of StarChase GPS Tracking Darts by the
Miami Beach Police Department. The Resolution was discussed and passed with direction for
the Police Department to return to the February 21, 2024 City Commission meeting with options
and a recommendation for a potential pilot program regarding the utilization of StarChase GPS
Tracking Darts to aid in the apprehension of fleeing criminal suspects.
An update to the item was requested for the April 3, 2024 City Commission meeting.
ANALYSIS
Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) personnel initiated a review of the StarChase dart
technology by contacting the company to solicit detailed information about the product. Staff
then thoroughly searched for any similar competitors offering an alternative technology option
that could provide similar functionality. This search did not identify any suitable comparable
alternatives to the StarChase vehicle mounted and handheld tagging and tracking products.
On January 30, 2024, Major Daniel Morgalo participated in a teleconference meeting with
Starchase, a company comprised of former law enforcement officers, Department of Defense
veterans, and engineering and IT professionals. The products offered by the company are
cloud-based applications (SaaS) that have been tested and certified as less lethal in an
approved testing facility and provide a capability that the Department does not currently
possess. That is, to deploy a GPS-enabled tracking device in instances where a vehicle flees
from police officers or when a scenario is encountered where a felony vehicle is anticipated to
flee. The product can track the fleeing vehicle without engaging in a dangerous pursuit and
provides real-time telemetry information, which could be integrated with the functions of the
Department's Real-Time Intelligence Center(RTIC).
In theory, by utilizing StarChase products as a de-escalation tool, a felony vehicle could be
remotely tracked, and officers could be directed to the general area of the fleeing vehicle to be
Page 1359 of 1445
present and affect an arrest when offenders exit the vehicle and flee on foot. Additionally,
StarChase offers a portable version of the product launched from a hand-held device, which
could be an additional option for plain-clothes officers from the Department's Strategic
Enforcement Team (S.E.T.)to utilize.
Police Department staff, alongside personnel from nine other law enforcement agencies,
attended a product demonstration on March 5th, 2024 hosted by the Coconut Creek Police
Department. In addition to Miami Beach Police Department employees, staff from the
Claremont Police Department, Eustis Police Department, Lake County Sheriffs Office,
Melbourne Police Department, Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office, Orlando Police Department,
Tavares Police Department, Titusville Police Department and West Palm Beach Police
Department had the opportunity to obtain a first-hand experience assessing and deploying the
StarChase tracking dart technology.
The StarChase system was found to be very easy to utilize and deploy. The evaluation process
for this technology identified several useful scenarios where Starchase could be pre-deployed
in circumstances where it is highly likely that a vehicle might flee from officers. An example
would be a stolen vehicle not involved in a violent crime. A pursuit would not be authorized in
those circumstances in accordance with the Miami-Dade Chiefs Model Policy and current
MBPD policy guidance. Currently, if a stolen vehicle flees from an officer, the officer is
expected to disengage, and a BOLO message is broadcast via radio. Often in such instances,
the vehicles involved are recovered in poor condition if at all.
This pre-pursuit deployment capability would provide officers with the ability to disengage and
electronically track in situations where a pursuit is not authorized by policy or when an offender
operates his or her vehicle in an extremely dangerous manner. The tracking dart allows officers
to electronically track a fleeing vehicle without needing to maintain direct visual contact via
StarChase's proprietary web-based tracking application, CoreView mapping. The application
would be available to dispatchers and personnel working in the RTIC and automatically opening
and tracking upon deployment. The StarChase Coreview system also allows for dispatchers
and RTI C personnel to share the active tracking of the fleeing vehicle with neighboring agencies
even if they are not StarChase users, which exponentially improves the likelihood of capturing
the offender.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
N/A
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A fixed-term pilot deployment of the StarChase Tracking System to assess its usefulness for
field operations would be for five (5)vehicle mounted Starchase systems and one (1) hand-held
system. The associated costs for this initial deployment would include vehicle installation,
unlimited tracking darts, training and warranty for the three-year duration. Costs for this option
would be approximately$62,000.
CONCLUSION
This pre-pursuit deployment capability of the StarChase Tracking System is a new technology
aimed at providing law enforcement officers with the ability to disengage and electronically track
vehicles when a pursuit is not authorized or when a vehicle is being operated in a dangerous
manner. Following a demonstration and careful assessment of the technology, Department staff
Page 1360 of 1445
will review results in preparation for moving forward with a fixed-term pilot deployment of the
system to assess its usefulness for field operations with the Miami Beach Police Department.
Applicable Area
Citywide
Is this a"Residents Right Does this item utilize G.O.
to Know" item. pursuant to Bond Funds?
City Code Section 2-14?
No No
Strategic Connection
Neighborhoods - Prevent and solve crime for residents and visitors.
Legislative Tracking
Police
Sponsor
Mayor Steven Meiner
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
C7 AD -January 31, 2024- Reso Explore Pilot Program for Use of GPS Tracking Dart
Technology
o Resolution 2024-32895
D Starchase Pilot Deployment Quote
Page 1361 of 1445
1/26/24,11:17 PM Coversheet
Resolutions-C7 AD
MIAMI BEACH
COMMISSION MEMORANDUM
- TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Rafael A. Paz,City Attorney .
DATE: January 31,2024
SUBJECT:A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH,
FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO EVALUATE THE MERITS, COST, AND
POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTATION OF STARCHASE GPS TRACKING DARTS, AND TO RETURN
TO THE FEBRUARY 21, 2024, CITY COMMISSION MEETING WITH OPTIONS AND A
RECOMMENDATION FOR A POTENTIAL PILOT PROGRAM REGARDING THE UTILIZATION OF
STARCHASE GPS TRACKING DARTS TO AID IN THE APPREHENSION OF FLEEING
CRIMINAL SUSPECTS.
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in
lobbying?Yes_No X
If so,specify name of lobbyist(s)and principal(s): N/A
ANALYSIS
The attached Resolution was prepared at the request of the sponsor, Mayor Steven Meiner.
SUPPORTING SURVEY DATA
N/A.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION.
Administration is requested to be prepared to address the fiscal impact of this proposed measure, if any, at the January 31, 2024
City Commission meeting.
Is this a"Residents Right to Does this item utilize G.O.
Know"item,pursuant to Bond Funds?
City Code Section 2-14?
No No
Legislative Tracking
Office of the City Attorney
$ onnsor
Mayor Steven Meiner
•
ATTACHMENTS:
Description
D Resolution
Page 1362 of 1445
https://miamibeach.novusagenda.com/agendapublic/CoverSheet.aspx?ItemID=33520&MeetinglD=1283 1/1
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-32895
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA, DIRECTING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO
EVALUATE THE MERITS, COST, AND POTENTIAL IMPLEMENTATION OF
STARCHASE GPS TRACKING DARTS, AND TO RETURN TO THE FEBRUARY
21, 2024, CITY COMMISSION MEETING WITH OPTIONS AND A
RECOMMENDATION FOR A POTENTIAL PILOT PROGRAM REGARDING THE
UTILIZATION OF STARCHASE GPS TRACKING DARTS TO AID IN THE
APPREHENSION OF FLEEING CRIMINAL SUSPECTS.
WHEREAS, once a crime is committed, it is the responsibility of law enforcement to identify,
locate and capture the suspect; and
WHEREAS, among the difficulties that the Police Department encounters in capturing
criminal suspects includes the established limitations on (high-speed) vehicle pursuits based upon
the risk to civilians and police officers,alike; and
WHEREAS, StarChase, a privately held company headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia,
provides multiple GPS technology solutions to public safety and governmental agencies worldwide;
and
WHEREAS, StarChase technology serves as a resource for domestic and International
agencies to manage high-risk events, surveillance, real-time situational awareness, and day-to-day
operations; and
WHEREAS, StarChase GPS tracking darts are a new technology intended to aid law
enforcement agencies in tracking fleeing criminal suspects and stolen vehicles,while simultaneously
reducing the number of high-speed suspect vehicle pursuits;and
WHEREAS, this new technology provides a safer way for Police to track and locate fleeing
criminal suspects and stolen vehicles by eliminating the vehicle pursuit/chase aspect from the
suspect apprehension equation; and
WHEREAS, typically, a StarChase GPS launcher is mounted on the front of a Police patrol
vehicle and a GPS tracking dart can be launched from the police vehicle when within approximately
twenty(20)feet of the suspect vehicle; and
WHEREAS, the GPS darts are 4% inch projectiles, that are coated in adhesive in order to
stick to the rear of the suspect vehicle,which darts can then be utilized by Police to provide real-time
location tracking to allow law enforcement officers to stop pursuing the fleeing vehicle, yet continue
tracking the suspect;and
WHEREAS, StarChase GPS tracking darts offer the Police Department a potentially secure
and relatively cost-effective solution for tracking and apprehending fleeing criminal suspects, while
simultaneously enhancing public safety.
NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT DULY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA,that the Mayor and City Commission hereby direct the
Police Department to evaluate the merits, cost, and potential implementation of StarChase GPS
tracking darts, and to return to the February 21, 2024, City Commission meeting with options and a
Page 1363 of 1445
recommendation for a potential Pilot Program regarding the utilization of StarChase GPS tracking
darts to aid in the apprehension of fleeing criminal suspects.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 31 day of ggn 14.* ' , 2024.
ATTEST:
FB 0 5 2024
Steven Meiner, Mayor
•
Rafael E. Granado, City Clerk
q\\\N\1111/1
(Sponsored by Mayor Steven Meiner) QN'� •,,",,,
is\c`.INCORF ORATEO
",... 26 ,_,- APPROVED AS TO
FORM&LANGUAGE
&FOR EXECUTION
I—Z<— 2-�I
City Attorney- ,! Date
2
Page 1364 of 1445
ST1 RCH!sE
Quote#00015323 Bill To :
Valid Until: Jun 29, 2024 Miami Beach Police Department
1100 Washington Ave
Date: Mar 6, 2024, 8:23 AM Miami Beach, Florida, 33139
United States
Sales Representative: Ron Gladding
Phone: (931)267-5382 Ship To :
Email: rgladding@starchase.com Miami Beach Police Department
1100 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, Florida, 33139
United States
Product Code Product Description Qty. MSRP Unit Extended Total
Price Price
GUARDIAN-VX(1)Vehicle
Mounted Launcher System-Black,
23-SC-VML-BL (1) Interior Console, (1)Remote 5 $5,990.00 $5,990.00 $29,950.00
Key Fob and 24 Month
Manufacturer Warranty.
GUARDIAN-VX Total Solution
Package: 36 Months Unlimited
23-SC-TSP-T3 Subscription GPS Live Tracking 5 $3,960.00 $3,960.00 $19,800.00
Projectiles, CoreView Mapping,
Data and User Access. Annual
Base Rate=$1,320.00
23-SC-WARR-12-YR3 GUARDIAN -VX 12 Month 5 $327.75 $327.75 $1,638.75
Extended Warranty-Year 3
GUARDIAN -VX On-Site Dispatch
23-SC-TRAIN and Operator Train the Trainer 1 $3,500.00 $3,500.00 $3,500.00
Module, (1)Shot Box 12 included
(INCONUS).
23-SC-INSTALL GUARDIAN-VX Vehicle 4 $702.00 $702.00 $2,808.00
Installation Per Unit(INCONUS).
GUARDIAN -HX Handheld
Launcher System. 12 Month
Manufacturer Warranty. Includes:
90020201 Pelican 1720 Rifle Case w/custom 1 $3,800.00 $3,800.00 $3,800.00
insert, (2) Battery Mags &Charger,
Green Dot Laser Light, Single-point
sling, (4)Training Rounds, & (2)
Live GPS Rounds.
GUARDIAN -HX Total Solution
Package: 12 Months Unlimited
23-SC-HH-TSP Subscription GPS Live Tracking 1 $480.00 $480.00 $480.00
Projectiles, CoreView Mapping,
Data and User Access.
Subtotal : $61,976.75
Shipping & Handling : $324.00
Page 1365 of 1445
Tax : $0.00
Customer Name: Grand Total: $62,300.75
Signature: To Review and download a copy of our product terms
PO Number: and conditions please Click Here
DATE:
SPECIAL NOTES :
StarChase to install 4 systems and certify designated party. Designated party to install remaining units.
Page 1366 of 1445