LTC 479-2023 MBPD Update Regarding the Hiring of Public Safety Specialists (PSS)MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
NO. LTC # 479-2023 LETTER TO COMMISSION
TO:
FROM:
Honorable Mayor Dan Gelber and Members of the City Commission
Alina T. Hudak, City Manag{rW
DATE:
SUBJECT:
October 24, 2023 v\ •• ,
MBPD Update Regarding the Hiring of Public Safety Specialists (PSS)
The purpose of this Letter to the Commission (L TC) is to provide an update on the PoliceDepartment's hiring of additional Public Safety Specialists (PSS). Due to the increasingneed for traffic mitigation throughout our city, the Mayor and Commission reviewed andapproved ten (10) PSSs to be hired as part of the FY23-24 budget process. This willincrease the department's current cadre from five (5) to fifteen (15) PSSs. Understandingthat traffic issues are cyclical, adding these ten (10) PSSs would provide the resources toaddress traffic-related problems, particularly during high-impact periods. Additionally, thePSSs will improve police operational efficiency by responding to report calls for service,thus freeing up police officers to proactively address other crime-related activities.
The department intends to hire and onboard the new PSSs ahead of the upcoming highseason and train in-house in traffic control for immediate deployment. Later, in early 2024,they will be sent to the PSS academy for the remaining certifications.
Below is a summary of the progress in the recruitment and hiring of the PSSs:
•The PD Backgrounds Unit is currently processing 13 PSS applications.•The Initial recruitment (6/20/23 to 7/4/23) resulted in 102 applications, 67 eligiblefor interviews, 37 scheduled, and 24 interviewed. •The recent recruitment (9/26/23 to 10/10/23) resulted in 140 applications, 86eligible for interviews, 58 applicants were scheduled for interviews, which beganon Monday, October 23.
The Police Department plans to strategically deploy newly hired PSS personnel duringspecial events to enhance traffic management and minimize the impact on residentialneighborhoods. They will be stationed at critical traffic junctures, using real-time data andcommunication tools to ensure efficient traffic flow. Their primary tasks include directingtraffic, identifying congestion points, and coordinating with the city's Transportation andMobility Department to adjust traffic patterns. The goal is to alleviate traffic concerns inresidential areas, providing a safer and more convenient experience for residents andevent attendees.
ATH/WAJ/e, �