LTC 235-2024 Safe Place Decal and Stop the Hate Program LaunchPage 1 of 3
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC # LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO: Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
FROM: Rickelle Williams, Interim City Manager
DATE: June 10, 2024
SUBJECT: Safe Place Decal update and “Stop the Hate. Don’t be a Victim.”
Program Launch
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (LTC) is to announce the enhanced Safe Place decal
and the launch of the “Stop the Hate. Don't be a Victim.” program curriculum.
Miami Beach is internationally recognized as a premier destination for the LGBTQIA+ community,
with an estimated 2 million visitors to Miami-Dade County self-identifying as members of the
LGBTQIA+ community annually. Among these visitors, approximately 30.5% specifically choose
Miami Beach as their ultimate travel destination. Unfortunately, despite the diligent efforts of law
enforcement agencies nationwide, biased-motivated crimes are on the rise in the United States.
Proud of its progressiveness and inclusion, the City of Miami Beach is being proactive in standing
up against discrimination and protecting its residents and visitors.
Statistics published by the United States Department of Justice and Bureau of Justice reveal that
members of the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly those identifying as transgender and gender
non-conforming, are disproportionately affected by biased-motivated crimes. In response to this
concerning trend, the Administration through the MBPD’s LGBTQIA+ Liaison Detail has
successfully secured state funding through a grant from the Florida Department of Law
Enforcement to launch a Hate Crime Prevention and Resource Awareness Campaign. The
campaign aims to proactively address public safety concerns and enhance the overall quality of
life for all who visit the City of Miami Beach.
Acknowledging the heightened vulnerability of the LGBTQIA+ community to unprovoked acts of
violence, the Administration has implemented the Safe Place Initiative through the Miami Beach
Police Department (“MBPD”) to offer a haven for victims targeted in hate crimes within this
community. For the purposes of this initiative, a hate crime is defined as an act committed against
a person or their property that serves as an expression of hatred based on specific characteristics,
including race, color, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other attributes. In pursuit of these
objectives, the Administration will concentrate on various avenues, including education, community
collaboration, prevention, and research, to comprehensively address hate crimes and ensure the
safety and well-being of all community members and visitors.
The Safe Place Initiative serves to fortify the partnership between the City through the Miami Beach
Police Department and local businesses, municipal facilities, and other organizations through
collaborative efforts. As such, the City will be introducing an enhanced Safe Place decal, now
inclusive of recognition for the transgender community. Each participant will be furnished with a
Safe Place decal, to be prominently displayed and easily recognizable to victims of LGBTQIA+
biased hate crimes.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32536E2C-F739-473C-A0EF-B78655B6FC05
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Additionally, to conclude Pride month, the Administration will unveil the launch of the MBPD’s
“Stop the Hate. Don't be a Victim.” program. This entails a six (6)-week interactive curriculum
tailored for vulnerable populations, with a specific focus on the LGBTQIA+ Community. Its primary
objective is to provide students with a unique opportunity to receive training from MBPD's Training
Unit instructors. The training aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to safeguard
themselves and reduce the risk of falling victim to biased-motivated crimes. Attendees will engage
in various training segments, spanning scenario-based situations, active shooter response, fraud
and dating applications, transgender interactions, firearms handling, self-defense techniques, and
other relevant topics.
See below image of the updated Safe Place decal and brochure discussing the “Stop the Hate.
Don't be a Victim.” program and curriculum.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32536E2C-F739-473C-A0EF-B78655B6FC05
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RW/WJ/cb/cmrp
DocuSign Envelope ID: 32536E2C-F739-473C-A0EF-B78655B6FC05