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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRTIC & DFR Press Release MBPD MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT Public Information Office Christopher Bess, Public Information Officer Tel: 305.673.7776 ext. 25654 E-mail: christopherbess@miamibeachfl.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 7, 2025 Miami Beach Police to Unveil Real Time Intelligence Center and Drone as a First Responder Program Ahead of Spring Break 2025 High Impact Weekends —MBPD becomes the first department in the state of Florida selected to implement the Skydio DFR program— Miami Beach, FL – The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) is slated to unveil its state-of-the-art Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) and launch the Skydio Drone as a First Responder (DFR) Pilot Program on Monday, March 10 at 9 a.m. This cutting-edge technology positions the Miami Beach Police Department as the first agency in the state of Florida and one of only five departments nationwide to implement Sykdio’s DFR program. This innovative initiative enhances the department's capabilities to monitor and respond to incidents in real-time, particularly as the city prepares for the high-impact weekends associated with Spring Break 2025. “Miami Beach is at the forefront of pioneering technology to revolutionize public safety," said Mayor Meiner. "The Real Time Intelligence Center and Drone as a First Responder Program equip our police department with exceptional tools, ensuring swift and decisive action to protect our community." The $2 million project, with partial funding from the 2018 voter-led General Obligation (G.O.) Bond will serve as the central hub for MBPD’s advanced observation, analytics, detection, and intelligence operations. By integrating multiple data sources, the RTIC empowers law enforcement with enhanced situational awareness, real-time monitoring, and strategic decision-making. Notable features of the RTIC include: • Extensive Camera Network: The RTIC integrates approximately 850 cameras, providing over 1,600 views across Miami Beach for substantial security coverage. • License Plate Recognition: 30 license plate readers identify vehicles associated with criminal activity. • Social Media & Threat Monitoring: MBPD’s First Alert Program enables real- time social media monitoring to detect potential threats or public safety concerns. • Marine Traffic Intelligence: The RADII Marine Radar system provides live monitoring of maritime activity along the city’s coastal areas. • Integrated Communications: The RTIC connects seamlessly with Miami Beach’s public safety communications network, improving coordination between law enforcement and emergency response teams. “The Real Time Intelligence Center and Drone First Responder Program represent significant advancements in public safety for Miami Beach,” stated Chief Wayne A. Jones. “Our city is establishing a benchmark for law enforcement agencies throughout the nation; illustrating how technology can be effectively utilized to enhance public safety while ensuring transparency and accountability. In anticipation of our busiest season, this technology will enable us to better safeguard our residents and visitors while proactively deterring criminal activities.” The Miami Beach Police Department also became the first agency in Miami-Dade County to receive a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Waiver, allowing for drone operations beyond the direct line of sight of an operator. At the heart of this program is the Skydio X10 drone, a cutting-edge quadcopter designed for law enforcement applications. The drone is housed and deployed from the Skydio Dock, an autonomous, weather-resistant station that enables rapid, remote- controlled drone response to critical incidents. Operated directly from the RTIC, these drones provide: • Live aerial video feed, giving officers real-time situational awareness. • Rapid response capability, allowing drones to arrive on the scene before patrol units. • Increased officer and public safety, reducing risks in high-threat situations. • Data-driven decision-making, with real-time video feeds accessible from the RTIC. These advanced tools will enable the MBPD to proactively address public safety challenges, enhance officer safety, and bolster community trust by employing data- driven policing and state-of-the-art technology. Media partners who plan to attend are kindly requested to RSVP to Public Information Officer Christopher Bess at Christopherbess@miamibeachfl.gov or 305.492.3206. ### To request this material in alternate format, sign language interpreter (five-day notice required), information on access for persons with disabilities, and/or any accommodation to review any document or participate in any city-sponsored proceedings, call 305.604.2ADA (2232) and select 1 for English or 2 for Spanish, then option 6; TTY users may call via 711 (Florida Relay Service).