LTC 237-2005 Hate Crime Initiatives (Revised Version)
CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Manager
Letter to Commission No. 237-2005
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To:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
From: Jorge M. Gonzalez
City Manager
Date: September 13, 2005
Subject: HATE CRIME INI ATIVES (Revised Version)
This Letter to the Mayor and City Commissioners is to provide information on the Police
Department's recent Hate Crime Initiatives. A Hate Crime is a criminal offense committed
against persons, property, or society that is motivated, in whole or in part, by an offender's
bias against a group's race, religion, ethnic/national origin, gender, age, disability, or 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.
In an effort to reduce the number of Hate Crime related incidents the Police Department is
taking the following actions:
· The Hate Crimes Hotline phone number has been added to the Police Department's
home page on the City's website.
· Assignment of Police Walking Beats to Washington Avenue during critical times to
address improper behavior.
· Sergeant Eugene RocIri~uez is organizing a HoteVNightlife Hate Crimes Educational
meeting for October 11 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 2nd and Saturday, September 3rd from 10:00
p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
· Assigned Captain Brian Sliman, 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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