C4P - Grappler Police Bumper Pilot

Committee Referrals - C4 P

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

ANALYSIS

Please place on the June 25, 2025 City Commission agenda a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (“PSNQLC”) meeting to discuss a potential MBPD Pilot Program for the Grappler Police Bumper which would allow MBPD Officers to safely and effectively bring fleeing suspect vehicles to a stop. The purpose of reviewing this item at PSNQLC is to discuss and see how the Grappler Police Bumper can complement the StarChase GPS Tracking Dart pilot program put in place last year.

The Grappler Police Bumper (the “Grappler”) is designed to safely and effectively stop fleeing vehicles by entangling their rear wheels in netting that is deployed from the front bumper area of a following police vehicle. This technology potentially reduces the risks associated with vehicle pursuits in crowded urban areas like Miami Beach.

Additionally, as an innovative new law enforcement tool, the Grappler offers valuable benefits to the City and its residents. By providing MBPD Officers with a non-lethal, controlled method to stop fleeing vehicles, the Grappler enhances public safety by quickly ending police vehicle chases and limits property damage (to City police vehicles and other public/private property).

By testing the Grappler on a Pilot Program basis, MBPD would be able to evaluate its effectiveness in real-world scenarios while reinforcing the City’s commitment to modern, responsible policing. As such, I would request that the City Administration, including the Police Department, be prepared at Committee to discuss their thoughts and recommendations, along with any costs or concerns, regarding this proposed Pilot Program.

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

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 Commissioner Laura Dominguez

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Laura Dominguez

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Ref: PSNQLC - MBPD Pilot Program for Grappler Police Bumper. (Dominguez)

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)