R7P - Create Task Force for Quality-of-life

Resolutions - R7 P

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

The Administration recommends that the Mayor and Commission consider a comprehensive approach in creating the new Camping Enforcement Task Force as delineated below.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

At the June 25, 2025, City Commission Meeting, at the request of Commissioner David Suarez, the Mayor and City Commission considered a Resolution (R7 S) to create and deploy a specialized task force singularly focused on enforcement of the city’s camping ordinance and other quality of life offenses.

The item was heard and deferred to the next regularly scheduled Commission meeting, with direction to the Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) to return with a comprehensive strategy.

At the July 23, 2025, City Commission meeting, the item was not reached and was subsequently carried over for future consideration.

ANALYSIS

Although the item was not reached at the July 23 meeting, MBPD proactively expanded its efforts to address homelessness and quality of life concerns.

Beginning on July 27, MBPD increased staffing dedicated to quality of life and camping enforcement, providing continuous coverage across all shifts: the day-shift Homeless Resource Unit (HRU), two additional officers assigned to the afternoon shift, and two additional officers assigned overnight. Between July 27 and August 24, these efforts resulted in 228 arrests of individuals identifying as homeless, including 104 directly tied to camping violations.

These recent results build on Miami Beach’s broader strategy, which combines outreach with enforcement. HRU officers work with service providers to connect individuals to shelter, treatment, and long-term housing, while patrol officers enforce the City’s No Camping Ordinance to protect public spaces and overall quality of life.

Training rolled out in 2024 ensures every patrol officer has the skills to:

• • •

Engage compassionately with the unhoused. Provide accurate, around-the-clock information on available services. Enforce the No Camping Ordinance consistently and lawfully.

This balanced approach, combining immediate enforcement with sustained outreach, has been nationally recognized and has helped Miami Beach achieve one of its lowest homeless census counts in years.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

The enhanced enforcement efforts are being conducted with on-duty personnel, avoiding overtime costs. Officers were reassigned from existing specialized units in Patrol, Criminal Investigations, and Community Affairs, allowing the City to prioritize this initiative without additional budgetary impact while maintaining overall department readiness.

CONCLUSION

The proactive measures taken since July 27 demonstrate that focused enforcement, paired with outreach, delivers results. MBPD will continue refining this approach, enforcing laws to preserve safety and quality of life, while connecting individuals to services that can help them leave the streets. These efforts reinforce Miami Beach’s commitment to being both safe and compassionate.

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

Police

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner David Suarez

Co-sponsor(s)

Commissioner Joseph Magazine Commissioner Alex Fernandez Mayor Steven Meiner

Condensed Title

NR- Create Task Force to Enforce Camping & Other Quality of Life Offenses. (DS/JM/AF/SM) PD

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)

Not reached on 7/23/2025 - R7 J