C4N - Discuss Public Safety Tech

Committee Referrals - C4 N

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

ANALYSIS

Please place on the May 21, 2025 City Commission agenda a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (“PSNQLC”) to discuss enhancing public safety through the utilization of technology and community partnerships.

As we continue to prioritize the safety and security of City residents and visitors, I’d like to initiate a strategic discussion surrounding the enhancement of our public safety infrastructure through advanced technology. In particular, I’d like to focus on opportunities to expand and modernize our current systems, including License Plate Readers (“LPRs”) and live-view camera networks.

One of our immediate needs is, at a minimum, to ensure the sustainability and functionality of the LPR systems we already own. These assets have been valuable tools for our Police Department, but as they age, their reliability may diminish, and maintenance may be required. As such, I would like to discuss the necessity and possibility of entering into a comprehensive maintenance and support program for our current LPRs to ensure that they remain effective and fully operational in order to maximize the City’s investment and enhance our ongoing public safety efforts.

Additionally, I’d like to discuss evaluating a targeted expansion of both LPRs and/or our Citywide camera network. This expansion would provide broader coverage and better situational awareness for our Police Officers and other first responders. I’d like to begin by piloting these initiatives starting with a Pilot Program on the Venetian Islands.

Also, as part of this initiative, I’m proposing enhanced deployment of police “decoy” vehicles equipped with solar-powered lights. These police vehicles, strategically placed throughout the City, can act as a deterrent to crime while enhancing police visibility and presence in key neighborhoods (in particular due to the lights and dark tinted windows which make it difficult for any visitors to readily identify the car as a “decoy”).

In order to help fund these enhancements, I would like to discuss potentially establishing a public- private match program in coordination with various homeowner associations and neighborhood associations throughout the City beginning with the Venetian Islands Homeowners Association

(“VIHA”) pursuant to the aforementioned Pilot Program. Under a public-private match program, homeowner associations and neighborhood associations would be encouraged to either co-fund or fully fund the purchase of new LPRs and/or live-view camera units. As an additional thought, it’s my understanding that if the City spends in excess of $40,000/year with Flock Safety LPRs or other Flock equipment, then the City gains access to their Statewide database (or perhaps, since the VIHA might be spending more than that next year, the City might be able to gain such access through that public-private partnership).

In a potential public-private partnership, the City would ensure that all data collected—whether from City- or privately-funded devices—would be fully integrated directly into the Police Department’s Real-Time Intelligence Center (“RTIC”), which is powered by Axon Enterprise, Inc. and is capable of ingesting data from a vast array of originating sources. This would create a seamless, real-time flow of critical data, enhancing our response capabilities and investigative reach.

As part of this referral, I would like the City Administration, including the Police Department, to be prepared at Committee to discuss its evaluation, thoughts, and recommendations concerning the operational and budgetary frameworks necessary to propel these initiatives forward.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

N/A

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CONCLUSION

Applicable Area

Middle Beach

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? Yes

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s): Chad Braver

Department

Office of Commissioner Laura Dominguez

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Laura Dominguez

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Ref: PSNQLC - Enhance Public Safety Through Technology/Community Partnership. (Dominguez)

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)