LTC 230-2005 Hate Crime Initiatives CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No._ z 0-z00
To:
From:
Subject:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez {~ ~~
City Manager ?/~~
HATE CRIME INITIATIVES
Date: September 8, 2005
This Letter to the Mayor and City Commissioners is to provide info~ation on t~,
Department's recent Hate Crime Initiatives. A Hate Crime is a criminal offense
against persons, pro~, or society that is motivated, in ~ole or in part, by an 's
bias against a group's race, religion, ethnic/national origin, gender, age, disa~it~br
sexual orientation. Hate Crimes include not only violence against individuals or groups
buy also crimes against property, such as arson or vandalism, particularly those directed
against community centers or houses of worship.
taking
In an effort to reduce the number of Hate Crime related incidents the Police Department is
the following actions: ~ -
The Hate Crimes Hotline phone number has been added to the Police Department's
home page on ~e City's website.
Assignment of Police Walking Beats to Washington Avenue during critical times to
address improper behavior.
Sergeant Eugene Rodriguez is organizing a Hotel/Nightlife Hate Crimes
Educational meeting for October 5~ at 6:00 p.m. in the Police Department
Community Room. Representatives from area hotels and nightclubs will be invited
to learn about Hate Crimes and the importance of reporting Hate Crime related
incidents.
The Police Department's Victim Advocates and Detectives obtained and distributed
Hate Crime Hotline Cards and informational brochures to the nightlife community at
large with special attention being given towards gay nightclubs in South Beach.
This took place on Friday, September 2"" and Saturday, September 3r" from 10:00
p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
Assigned Captain Brian Siiman, Commander of the Criminal Investigations Unit to
be the point person for follow-up investigations on Hate Crimes. Captain Sliman's
contact information has been added to the Police Department's home page and a
link has been added directly to his email address.
· Refresher roll call training has been conducted for Patrol Officers and Detectives.
· 400 Pocket Guides with tips for the investigation and prevention of hate crimes from
the Bureau of Justice Assistance will be distributed to Patrol Officers.
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