R9W - Update on Municipal Prosecution Program

Discussion Items - R9 W

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

Accordingly, at this time, I would like to receive an update from the City’s Municipal Prosecution Team in order to better understand and evaluate the current status and effectiveness of the Program. This update, which should include the City’s Municipal Prosecutors, will allow discussion amongst my colleagues in order to understand and assess how the Program has evolved, its impact on criminal enforcement, and whether any adjustments are needed to improve its overall performance.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

Since initially establishing our Municipal Prosecution Program (the “Program”) in 2018 to prosecute all criminal municipal ordinance violations in the County Court (as the only municipality in Miami-Dade County to do so), the Mayor and City Commission have expanded the scope of the Program to further address quality of life matters by continuing to increase the number of crimes prosecuted by the Municipal Prosecution Team. These offenses now include the municipal equivalent of various State law misdemeanor violations including Battery, Indecent Exposure, Criminal Mischief, Breach of the Peace/Disorderly Conduct, Assault, Loitering or Prowling, Disorderly Conduct on the Premises of an Establishment, Trespassing in a structure or conveyance, and Trespassing on property other than a structure or conveyance.

ANALYSIS

Criminal municipal ordinance offenses (such as smoking marijuana or hemp on public property, camping, urinating/defecating in public, and conducting business on public property) adversely impact residents' quality of life and tourists' vacation experience.

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): N/A

Department

Office of Commissioner Joseph Magazine

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Joseph Magazine

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Discuss/Action, Update on Municipal Prosecution Program. (Magazine)

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)