LTC 379-2024 Police Citizens Relations Committee's Budget ConcernsMIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
LTC#379-2024 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
SUBJECT:
Honorable Mayor Steven Meiner and Members of the City Commission
Rafael E.Granado,City Clerk 7d
September 4,2024
Police/Citizens Relations Committee's Budget Concerns
The purpose of this Letter to Commission (LTC)is to inform the Mayor &Commission of the
Police/Citizens Relations Committee's concerns over the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025's budget
and police allocations.
Over the past year,many priorities were requested by the Commission of the Miami Beach Police
Department (MBPD)to include enhanced DUI enforcement and increased marine patrols,among
others.Being sensitive to these requests,the Department put together a list of budget items that
would enable them to accomplish these tasks.As the end of the budget process nears,the
Police/Citizens Relations Committee and its Budget Advisory Subcommittee are concerned that
many of these items have not been funded.The committees are also concerned that the
Department would be held responsible for accomplishing many unfunded priorities.
The original list of enhancements had over 25 budget requests.Being realistic,the committee
understands that all the items would not be approved.Therefore,the list has been pared down to
the following items.As you are completing the budget process,please consider adding some of
these items to next year's budget.The goal is to provide the City's Police Department with all the
tools necessary to keep Miami Beach safe.
1.DUI Traffic Enhancement
a.Requested by the City Commission.The creation of a squad to patrol the
causeways and waterways to enforce DUI laws.Originally,the request was for
12 officers.Due to budget sensitivity,PD leadership is suggesting to begin with
six (6)officers.
2.ATV Beachwalk Squad
a.Requested by the City Commission.The beachwalk and City beaches are not
safe at night as evidenced by the recent sexual assault of a woman in Mid
Beach.Patrol personnel is needed on the beaches at night.
3.Marine Patrol Squad
a.Requested by the City Commission.Miami Beach is a water community.Many
homes are on the water.Many burglaries come from the waterside and not from
the front of a house.In addition,there is a large increase in boater activity,
illegal charters of both vessels and jet skis,and DUI activity on the water.
4.Peer Support Consultant
a.Requested by the Police Chief to support and counsel police personnel.
REG/cmrp
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