C4U - Discuss Expanding K9 Unit

Committee Referrals - C4 U

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

Please place on the May 21, 2025 agenda a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee to discuss the potential expansion of the Miami Beach Police Department’s (MBPD) K9 Unit to include dogs trained in drug detection.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

The Miami Beach Police Department currently maintains a K9 Unit that primarily focuses on bomb detection and criminal apprehension. Through an existing partnership with Miami Beach K9 Knights, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the MBPD by providing trained police dogs, the City has successfully deployed K9s in high-risk and high-visibility scenarios.

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and address narcotics-related concerns throughout the city, I would like the Committee to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of expanding the K9 Unit to include dogs specifically trained for drug detection. This would complement MBPD’s broader enforcement and prevention strategies, particularly in high-traffic public areas and during large-scale events.

The discussion should include an overview of current K9 operations, training protocols, legal considerations for drug detection deployments, potential funding sources (including support from Miami Beach K9 Knights), and the operational impact on MBPD’s ability to proactively address narcotics-related issues.

ANALYSIS

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

To be determined.

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

The Administration and MBPD should be prepared to provide a report on the current status of the K9 Unit, its capabilities, and recommendations on the possible integration of drug-detection dogs.

Applicable Area

Citywide

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

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

Department

Office of Mayor Steven Meiner

Sponsor(s)

Mayor Steven Meiner

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Ref: PSNQLC - Expand MBPD K9 Unit to Include Drug Detection Dogs. (Meiner)

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)