A YEAR IN REVIEW 2011 - Miami Beach, Florida

1

A YEAR
IN REVIEW

2011

web.miamibeachfl.gov/pd/

2  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

3

Mayor Matti HERRERA Bower Commissioner Jerry Libbin

Current term: 2011 - 2013 Current term: 2009 - 2013
First elected: 1999 First elected: 2005
Profession: Mayor Profession: Chamber of Commerce CEO

305.673.7035 305.673.7106
[email protected] [email protected]

Commissioner jorge exposito Commissioner MICHAEL GONGORA

Current term: 2009 - 2013 Current term: 2009 - 2013
First Elected: 2009 First elected: 2006
Profession: Attorney
Profession: Vice-President Claims
305.673.7103
305.673.7104 [email protected]
[email protected]
Commissioner
Commissioner EDWARD L. TOBIN
JONAH WOLFSON
Current Term: 2011 - 2015
Current Term: 2011 - 2015 First elected: 2007
First elected: 2007 Profession: Attorney
Profession: Attorney
305.673.710
305.673.7102 [email protected]
[email protected]
City attorney jose smith
Commissioner Deede Weithorn
Appointed: April 2006
Current Term: 2011 - 2015 Profession: Attorney
First elected: 2007
305.673.7470
Profession: Certified Public Accountant [email protected]

305.673.7030
[email protected]

INTERIM CITY MANAGER
KATHIE G. BROOKS

Mission

We are committed to providing excellent public service and safety to all who live, work, and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic
community.

vision

Cleaner and Safer; More Beautiful and Vibrant; A Mature, Stable Residential Community with Well-Improved Infrastructure; A
Unique, Urban and Historic Environment; A Cultural, Entertainment, Tourism Capital; An International Center for Innovation in
Culture, Recreation and Business.

• We maintain the City of Miami Beach as a world-class city. values
• We work as a cooperative team of well-trained professionals.
• We serve the public with dignity and respect. • W e conduct the business of the city with honesty, integrity, and
dedication.

• W e are ambassadors of good will to our residents, visitors, and
the business community.

4  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

ASSISTANT chief’s message

Greetings:
In 2011, the Miami Beach Police Department certainly experienced its share of challenges,
particularly as this community weathers the country’s greatest economic downturn since
the Great Depression. Addressing the needs of the community in the most economical
and efficient way possible has posed a challenge to the entire organization.
At the end of 2011, our focus shifted toward the fundamentals of community policing,
along with a need for comprehensive organizational reform, which required a change
in the organization’s structure to ensure our success. These changes, in effect,
streamlined the organization – merging operational bureaus – and served to foster
greater accountability within the organization. Our goal is to reinvent and reengineer
the department and bring about transparency, accountability and a restoration of the
public trust and confidence.
In essence, the Miami Beach Police Department is changing the way it does business –
the business of making this community safe for residents, business and visitors alike. This
means finding innovative ways to use our most valuable resource – our employees, both
sworn and civilian. In essence, getting back to basics and focusing on our primary goals
of lowering crime rates and enhancing Police-Community Partnerships.
In recent years, violent crime has been steadily declining, while property crimes (mostly
larcenies) have been slowly increasing. Historically, the MBPD would address a crime
hot spot by assigning special task forces to the impacted area. Those types of initiatives
were very effective while they were in operation, but when the initiative ended, the
criminal element would eventually return to the area. The fundamental restructuring of the
Patrol Division, using our new community policing plan will make long term improvements
more sustainable by maintaining resources within specific smaller geographic areas and
building on the community partnerships necessary for long term change.
The plan divides the three geographic areas (South, Middle, and North districts) into
three areas and eight smaller sectors. The shift hours and days off are also being
changed to ensure that more officers are on-duty during peak time periods. Each sector
has officers assigned on each shift responsible for working with their sergeant, lieutenant,
and captain to develop a viable problem solving, crime prevention plan specifically

5

targeting problems within that sector. Every officer and supervisor in the sector will be
tasked with becoming familiar with the business residents, owners, local workers, and
traffic patterns in their sector. This will enable the officers to more readily recognize
anything that is out of the ordinary or suspicious in their sector.

Designated walking beats have been deployed on Washington Avenue, 41st Street and
the North Beach business districts. Officers assigned to the City Center RDA will continue
to patrol their designated areas on and around Lincoln Road. The walking beat officers
will serve as our first line of defense against the “broken window” type of quality of
life/crime issues that negatively impact the business districts in our City. By addressing
graffiti, homeless issues, litter, and disorder on an ongoing, everyday basis, it is hoped
that further vandalism as well as more serious crimes may be prevented. Officers and
supervisors will also be actively participating in the homeowner and business associations
in their sectors. Every effort will be made to strengthen the partnerships with all segments
of our community.

A key element for the success of the community policing plan is accurate and timely crime
analysis, followed by rapid deployment of resources, effective crime fighting tactics and
relentless follow-up on crime hot spots. In addition to the patrol officers assigned to each
area, Captains will also have a Neighborhood Resource Officer, two motorcycle officers,
a Crime Suppression Team comprised of one sergeant and four officers. These resources
will be used based on the specific needs identified in the area. Officers and supervisors
are all encouraged to identify crime solutions for their sectors and take ownership for
improving their areas of responsibility.

The Community Policing Plan will provide greater accountability at all levels and improve
operational effectiveness. In addition, the Sector Plan will enhance crime prevention and
improve partnerships between the MBPD, residents, business owners and visitors.

By the end of 2011, the Community Policing Plan generated positive feedback from
residents and business owners throughout the City. One of the most important and popular
parts of this program has been the “Captains Walks” through various neighborhoods and
business districts. These walks have included representatives from Code Enforcement,
the Homeless Outreach Team, Sanitation, and Public Works to bring a genuinely holistic
approach to addressing concerns raised by our citizens. We will continue to work
diligently with our residents and partners throughout the public and private sectors to
fight crime and ensure the safety of our vibrant, tropical, and historical community.

Sincerely,

Raymond A. Martinez
Assistant Chief of Police

6  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

Miami Beach POLICe Mission Statement

Miami Beach law enforcement professionals deliver policing excellence through proactive
services and interactions, providing a safe environment to all who live, work, and play
in our vibrant, tropical, historic community.

Vision Statement

Miami Beach Police professionals will pursue every opportunity and engage all challenges
to maintain organizational excellence.

Core Values

Honor, Courage, and Integrity

7

TOC

8  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

POLICE CHIEF OF PO

ASSISTAN
CHIEF OF PO

Patrol Criminal
Division Investigations

DaNyorSthhift Division
(ADriesatri#ct3)
AfterMniododnleShift Criminal
(ADriesatri#ct1) Investigations
MidnSioguhthShift
(ADriesatri#ct2) Unit

Strategic
Investigations

Unit

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION Major
Criminal Investigations
PATROL
DIVISION CHIEF Division

PATROL DIVISION PATROL LIEUTENANT RDA Captain Criminal Captain
MAJOR Administrative City Center Investigations Strategic
CAPTAIN Unit Investigations Uni
SoDutaAhyreDSa 3hisifttrict CAPTAIN LIEUTENANT Squad
NMoidrtnhAigreDhati2sStrhiicftt Special Operations Lieutenant Lieutenant
LIEUTENANT CAPTAIN Lieutenant Violent Crimes Lieutenant Supervisor Strategic
South MAfitdedrnAleoreoaDn1isSthriicftt LIEUTENANT Section Violent Crimes Property Crimes Crime Scene Investigations
South Section 2
Bicycle/Beat LIEUTENANT Traffic Section 1 Section Squad Sergean
Squad South LIEUTENANT Motor Sergeant Intelligen
Middle Unit Sergeant Robbery Sergeant Crime Scene
LIEUTENANT LIEUTENANT Homicide Squad 1 Squad Burglary Squad Office Squad
Middle Middle LIEUTENANT Marine Patrol
North Unit Cold Case Sergeant Days Photographer’s Confiscatio
LIEUTENANT CST 2 Office Special Victim’s Office Office
North Accident Sergeant
LIEUTENANT Investigation Sergeant Squad Burglary Squad Latent Examiners Sergean
North Homicide Squad 2 Office Vice Squa
Unit Crime Analysis Afternoons
Sergeant Office Sergean
School Liaison Domestic Violence Sergeant Vice Squa
Squad VISA Fraud Crimes
Squad Office Sergean
School Squad Detached T
Crossing
Guards Sergeant Force
Auto Crimes
Office REVISED
Squad
SWAT
Victim Advocate
K-9 Office

9

OLICE Internal Fraternal Order Planning and
Affairs Of Police Office Research
Section
Unit

NT Financial Community Media N.R.O P.A.L.
OLICE Management Affairs Relations
OTeffaicme
Office Office

Support Services Technical
Division Services
Division
Personnel
Resource Public Safety
Communications
Unit
Unit
Property &
Evidence Professional
Standards
Unit
Unit

DIVISION COMMANDER TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION MAJOR
SUPPORT SERVICES TECHNICAL SERVICES
DIVISION
DIVISION

RVICES DIVISION CAPTAIN CAPTAIN CAPTAIN CAPTAIN

it Personnel Resource Unit Property & Evidence Unit Public Safety Professional Standards
Unit
nt Communications Unit
nce Information
d Business Resource Backgrounds SERGEANT Municipal COMMUNICATIONS Records Resource Accreditation
Section Squad Service Personnel Section Management Management
ons Worker Office
Court Liaison Recording Section Team
nt Office Service
ad 1 Training Section Office False Alarm
nt Off Duty Office
ad 2 Team Training Validations
nt Squad SUPERVISOR SUPERVISOR Office
Task Payroll
Office Firearms & Records Office
Range
Chaplain Office
Corps
Vehicle Property & COMMUNICATIONS
Research Evidence Team Training/Payroll Section

Office Employee Data Entry
Service Team
Mail Distribution
Center Office Counter Office Customer
Service Team
Quartermaster
Office REVISED 09/15/2010

Public
Access
Window Office

D 09/15/2010 REVISED 0

10  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

COMMAND STAFF NEW OFFICERS 2011 POLICE
DEPARTMENT
Chief of Police Alberto Alvarez PROMOTIONS
Manuel Cano
Carlos Noriega Lee Claire Promotional ceremonies
Daniel Colombo were held during 2011
Assistant Chief Janelle Delgado to promote the following
Alejandro Fernandez sworn individuals to:
Raymond Martinez Giranny Fernandez
Nelson Gonzalez Sergeant Marlen Rivero
Division Chief Daniel Han February 14, 2011
Eric Key
William Riley Kevin Lantigua Lieutenant Samir
Patrol Division Wilmer Medoza Guerrero
Yoe Merida June 20, 2011
Major John Bambis Brian Sliman Eddie Patterson
Technical Services Patrol Division Jeanette Quijano Sergeant Christi Tanner
Angel Vazquez Division Michael Quintana July 29, 2011
Criminal Investigations Robert Sabater
Division Juan Suarez Sergeant Michael Veski
Joshua Vegoda July 29, 2011
Division Commander Gustavo Villamil
Lieutenant Wayne Jones
Hernan Cardeno RETIREES July 29, 2011
Support Services Division
Carlos Borges Captain
Captain Gregory Butler Gregory Butler David De La Espriella
Patrol Division Raymond Chambers July 29, 2011
Charles London Joseph Duque
Patrol Division Mark Causey Carlo Graham The following civilian
Patrol Division James Harley employees were also
Richard Weissman James Hyde promoted during 2011:
Technical Services Division Larry Bornstein John McCabe
PSCU Carlos Noriega Glassome Wint,
Jenny Elmore David Porter Office Associate IV
Support Services Division Rick Gullage Rosa Redruello
Criminal Investigations Division William Riley Martha Joan,
Robert Elmore William Sinkes Account Clerk III,
Support Services Division Rick Clements Marilyn Tepperberg
Strategic Investigations Unit William Watson Mauvett Rattigan,
James Hyde Newell “Skip” Wilder Police Financial Assistant
Internal Affairs Unit William Young
Michelle Patrick-Harris,
Manager Public Safety Payroll
Administrator
Michael Gruen
Planning and Research Section

11

OVERVIEW

Office of the Chief of Police

The Office of the Chief of Police is responsible for the fulfillment of the mission of the police
department through leadership, direction, and the establishment of policies, procedures,
rules and regulations. The following units are under the auspices of the Chief’s Office:

Community Affairs Office (CAO) includes the Public Information Officers (PIO), and

the Neighborhood Resource Officers (NROs) and is supervised by the CAO Sergeant.
The CAO Sergeant is also responsible for managing and overseeing the City’s external
vendor security guard contract. The PIO coordinates the flow of information between the
police department and the media.

They issue press releases, handle information requests, and provide interviews to
representatives of the media. They also respond to scenes of newsworthy incidents and
coordinate activities between the media and department personnel.

12  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

Neighborhood Resource Officers (NROs) are vital liaisons between the police department,

residents, and business owners in Miami Beach. Their primary responsibility is to address
issues and concerns relative to public safety and quality of life issues.
They also conduct individual, residential or commercial crime prevention surveys. These
surveys are intended to “target harden” homes or businesses, and make them less
vulnerable to criminals who might otherwise view them as an easy target. NROs also
work with other City departments to resolve troublesome issues such as illegal dumping
and prostitution, and any other neighborhood concerns. There are three NROs assigned
to the different geographic areas of Miami Beach.
In November 2011, with the implementation of the new Patrol Division Sector Plan,
the Community Affairs Office was eliminated with only the Public Information Officer
remaining assigned to the Chief’s Office. The Neighborhood Resource Officers and their
supervisor were transferred from the Chief’s Office to the Patrol Division. The NROs are
now working directly for the Area Captains to resolve quality of life issues in the areas.

13


 

Financial Management Unit develops, implements, and administers the department’s

annual budget and is responsible for all accounting, budgeting and procurement
activities.
The Miami Beach Police Department’s $88,151,029 budget is primarily funded by
general fund dollars. The greatest expenses are those associated with employees’
salaries and fringe benefits as the department currently consists of 372 budgeted sworn
positions and 136 civilian employees. Other funding sources include monies received
from the county, state and federal grants or reimbursements for specific public safety
initiatives and projects.
In addition to receiving general fund dollars, the department generates revenue for
services rendered beyond the scope of basic public safety services including: off-duty
police services administrative fees, false alarm fees, security alarm permit fees, traffic
citation surcharge, traffic fines, and cost recovery and restitution.
The fiscal environment for 2011 continued to be bleak with the national economy
struggling to pull out of a devastating recession. As with all local governments in Florida,
property taxes represent the major revenue source for the City of Miami Beach General
Revenue Fund. Given the recent real estate market downturn, low property assessments
and sales are clearly below prior years’ levels. These economic realities combined with
rising pension costs and declining financial markets has made for a “perfect storm” and a
challenging comprehensive City budget. As a result, the Miami Beach Police Department
has lost several budgeted sworn and civilian positions. These economic challenges make
effective management of fiscal resources an even higher priority.

14  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

Police Athletic League (PAL) is an organization chartered under the National Police

Athletic League with the primary purpose of creating an interaction between the police
department and the youth population of the City. The PAL seeks to accomplish this by
providing several youth athletic programs such as youth football, soccer, baseball,
martial arts, and wrestling.
The PAL is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of police officers and community
members that have provided outstanding contributions to the community for many years.
A police officer is assigned as the full-time Executive Director of the PAL. Funding is
provided by the Miami Beach Police Department, community members, organizations
and businesses, as well as various fund raising activities.

Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is the bargaining unit for sworn members of the Police

Department. The President of the FOP is assigned to the Chief’s Office and coordinates
union business and contract negotiations. The FOP President also participates in the
grievance process and represents the FOP at shift representative and labor/management
meetings, as well as attending the Police Citizen Relations Committee and Citizens Police
Academy meetings. The FOP President is also involved in the FOP Health Trust which
provides medical insurance to police officers. Throughout the year, the FOP President
organizes the union’s involvement in many charitable endeavors. These include the
United Way, the American Cancer Society, and the Miami Beach Police Department’s
Police Athletic League.

15

Internal Affairs Unit operates under the Office of the Chief and investigates complaints

against employees of the department. The Internal Affairs Unit also investigates all police
involved shootings, reviews Control of Persons reports and maintains an early warning
system to flag employees for closer supervision. This Unit is also called upon to assist in
investigations involving employees of other City departments. The Internal Affairs Unit is
currently located in the North End Sub-Station.

Planning and Research Section is responsible for annual reports, strategic plans, staff

inspections and statistical information for effective agency management. A top priority
for the Planning and Research Section is conducting staff inspections throughout the
department. The primary focus of each staff inspection is to determine if policies
and procedures are being followed and if compliance with applicable accreditation
standards are being maintained. Each of these staff inspections are comprehensive and
include an assessment of each unit’s compliance with standard operating procedures,
department rules and regulations, and division orders. As part of the staff inspection
process, interviews are conducted with unit employees as well as an inspection of the
physical facilities. At the conclusion of each staff inspection a final report is produced
which makes recommendations for improvement and/or correction, as well as identifying
positive aspects of the area inspected.

The Planning and Research Section also facilitates the Officer Safety Committee. Last
year the committee made the recommendation to transition the departmental issued
firearm from the Sig Sauer to the Smith and Wesson M & P 40 caliber weapon. The
purchase of the new firearm was approved in 2011 and the procurement process has
been completed. Training and deployment of the Smith & Wesson is scheduled for early
2012.

In addition, the Planning and Research Manager is the City’s project manager for the
Red Light Camera project. There are currently ten intersections with red light cameras
operating with additional intersections in the planning stage.

Patrol Division is the largest and most visible component of the MBPD. The Patrol Division

provides enhanced patrol service through district, redevelopment areas, and field support
assignments such as via ATV, bicycle, canine, marine vessels, and motorcycles. To reach
greater effectiveness against the criminal element, proactive enforcement is initiated by
the crime suppression team. In addition, the Patrol Division also provides specialized
services such as the special weapons and tactics team (SWAT), the crisis response team,
field force, hostage negotiators, and accident investigation units.

The Patrol Division underwent reorganization in the fall of 2011 with the implementation
of the new Community Policing Plan.

16  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

Patrol Division community policing plan

The continuing rise in overall Part I Uniform Crime Reporting over the past three years
especially non-violent property type crimes has brought justified scrutiny of the effectiveness
of the Miami Beach Police Department’s uniform patrol and deployment. Since the 1950’s
when the population of the City of Miami Beach was 46,300 and a force of 57 sworn
police officers the deployment and scheduling of personnel resources has been basically
remained the same. Although violent crime has been steadily declining since 2000,
property crimes have increased 12% since 2007 primarily due to a 24% increase in
Larcenies. To prevent larcenies from taking place several conventional crime prevention
details, specialized task forces and enhanced operations were initiated. These initiatives
resulted in short term success where subjects were arrested and the crime temporarily
moved out of the area.
To ensure a more effective long term sustainable response to curbing larcenies and other

17

types of street crime, the following Plan was established. The Community Policing plan
will foster long term organizational effectiveness and accountability focusing on two
goals, lower crime rates and enhance Police-Community partnerships.

The Plan involves a major change in deployment of Patrol Division uniform officers,
sergeants, and lieutenants. The City of Miami Beach was divided into 3 areas (commonly
referred to as South, Middle and North Districts) and then further dividing the areas into
8 smaller sectors. Each sector will have seven (7) to eight (8) assigned Police Officers in
each squad which will report to their assigned Sergeant. Sergeants are responsible for
2 sectors, and Lieutenants will be responsible for an area as well as serving as the Shift
Commander. Captains are now responsible for managing all available resources and
will be held directly accountable for attaining desired results in their areas.

In order to effectively implement this Plan, the Patrol Division’s command structure and
personnel assignments were reorganized to maximize the accountability of all personnel
assigned to the 3 areas beginning and ending with the area Captain. The area Captains
are now responsible for all aspects of policing in their areas twenty four 24 hours a day,
seven (7) days a week. In addition, shift hours will be altered to have a maximum number
of personnel during peak hours. The new shifts provide an approximate 4 hour overlap
of afternoon and midnight shift personnel from 10pm to 2am when the type and number
of calls for service in the entertainment and night life locations are the busiest.

The premise of the Plan is to ensure Officers, Sergeants, Lieutenants and Captains take
ownership of their assigned areas and employ a problem solving model to address
crime and public safety concerns. By empowering Officers and reducing their area of
responsibility to smaller geographical Sectors, the assigned Officers will become more
familiar with the business owners, residents, local workers and traffic patterns in their
assigned Sector. The greater the Officer’s familiarity with the trends and needs of their
sector, the easier it will be to employ a proactive approach to deter crime.

To facilitate this concept, personnel assigned to the specific sectors will have input on how
to best address the issues. This collaboration with the assigned personnel will lead to a
“buy-in” to this Plan and encourage all ranks to take an active role in the elimination and
prevention of crime in their respective geographical areas. To foster Police-Community
partnerships, personnel are being directed to engage and interact more with homeowner
associations and business groups in order to fully understand and address their issues.
These strategies will lead to greater crime prevention effectiveness.

18  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

Walking BEATS, Crime Suppression Teams, Specialized Patrol Resources
and Crime Analysis

The Plan, emphasis is placed on accurate timely criminal intelligence, rapid deployment
of resources, effective tactics, and persistent follow-up. Crime analysis tailored to the
specific Sector will be a critical element of this Plan. Armed with this information, Captains
will be able to effectively deploy available resources to address concerns.
Each Captain will have available to them, a Neighborhood Resource Officer, two
(2) dedicated Motorcycle Officers, a Crime Suppression Team comprised of one (1)
Sergeant and four (4) Officers, and the squad/platoon Officers and Supervisors. In
addition specific Walking beats will be staffed in the areas of Washington Avenue, 41
Street and North Beach business districts. These personnel will saturate the area and
interact more frequently with the businesses.
Designated “beats” have been identified as experiencing crime and quality of life issues
and will have dedicated Police Officers tasked with resolving those issues. Officers
assigned to the City Center RDA will continue to supplement assigned personnel in the
Lincoln Road and Washington Avenue area.
To ensure greater control and oversight of personnel, procedures have been revised
with the objective of maximizing the effectiveness of first line supervision. Sergeants
and Lieutenants are now required to have more hands-on interaction and monitoring of
operational personnel, as well as supporting documentation detailing the interaction.
With the new levels of empowerment associated with the Plan, supervisors at all levels
will be more accountable for their decision making and crime fighting efforts.
Highlights for the Patrol Division Specialized Units include:

19

K9 Squad responded to 466 calls for service which included 85 area searches, 172

building searches, 2 article searches, 38 criminal apprehensions, 31 bomb sweeps,
101 narcotic searches, 19 demonstrations and they assisted other police agencies on
18 occasions.

Motorcycle Squad issued 15,188 moving violations and 3,681 parking citations.

Motorcycle officers accounted for 204 traffic arrests and 55 DUI arrests as well as
leading 5 Presidential and Vice-Presidential escorts.

20  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

Accident Investigation Unit (AIU) processed and reviewed 5,104 accident reports

prior to the reports being submitted to Tallahassee, Florida. Of the 860 hit and run
accidents, 244 were investigated and closed. AIU also investigated 4 traffic homicides
during the year. Five officers attended traffic homicide schools in 2011.

SWAT officers conducted 16 missions in 2011. The missions involved, 1 (with another

agency) in the service of a warrant, 6 warrant service, 3 dignitary protection for
presidential visits, 5 barricaded subjects, and 1 controlled drug burn.

Marine Patrol Squad The Marine Patrol Squad took part in numerous evidence searches

for the Criminal Investigations Division as well as participating sihnipsehvuelnl smeaurlctih-aegseanncdy
 
Turbulent Trident/Blue Lightning dive operations involving cruise

vessel inspections for vessels returning from the Bahamas. During Memorial Day

Weekend, the Marine Patrol Unit handled a vessel fire stopping it from damaging nearby

homes, property and other vessels by casting a room and anchor and pulling the boat

out into open water. The Marine Patrol Unit responded to a Jet Ski accident involving a

city resident and a high profile rap artist where they initiated life saving measures,

recovering the victims from the water and transporting them to a location where fire-

rescue could pick them up for transport to the JMG Ryder trauma center. The Marine

Patrol Unit also entered the water on 3 occasions during 2011 to engage in life saving

operations.

Patrol Division is responsible for the coordination of police services to a multitude of

special events such as New Years Eve, Spring Break, Memorial Day Weekend, and
Fourth of July celebrations to name a few. In addition to the yearly events, the Patrol
Division is regularly tasked with staffing significant events such as dignitary visits from
world leaders and events associated with the NFL Super Bowl or similar events that are
drawn to the South Beach area for its world renowned setting. The following are a few
of the Patrol Division highlights for the first six months of 2011:

• Implemented a New Years Plan from December 31, 2010 through January
2, 2011. The plan included enhanced staffing and the closure of Ocean
Drive to ensure safety of our visitors over the long holiday weekend. Several
events were occurring in the City of Miami Beach including a fireworks
display, outdoor entertainment and a New Year’s Day Parade. Enhanced
staffing consisted of ATV and uniformed officers, which were utilized to
maintain traffic posts as well as ensure the safety of vehicular and pedestrian
traffic.

21

• Prepared for the security response of 2 Presidential visits. On March 4,
2011, President Obama attended a fundraiser at a private residence on
Miami Beach. On June 13, 2011, President Obama attended another
fundraiser at a private residence in Miami Beach. Dignitary Protection
Details of this magnitude involve detailed planning. Officers from SWAT,
Motorcycle Squad, Marine Patrol Squad, Strategic Investigations Unit, K9
Unit, and the Patrol Division coordinated with the U.S. Secret Service in all
aspects of the visit. The plan included interior and exterior location security,
bomb sweeps, and motorcade route traffic assignments.

• Created a public safety response to address the ever increasing number
of visitors to Miami Beach for Spring Break, which occurs from the second
week of February through March of each year. Enhanced staffing plans
account for the crowds who enjoy the city’s weather, beaches and nightlife
during this time period. Enhanced staffing includes increasing the number
of officers on ATV’s in Lummus Park and on the beach, as well as uniformed
patrol in the South and Entertainment Districts. Motorcycle Officers are
incorporated in the plan to assist with traffic congestion. Traffic management
plans are prepared in advance to be implemented as necessary. Total calls
for service during the Spring Break period numbered 20,688. Enforcement
initiatives were recorded as follows: 91 Felony Arrests, 370 Misdemeanor
Arrests, 41 DUI Arrests, 3,730 Moving Citations, 525 Parking Citations, 88
Field Interview Cards, 343 Case Reports, 1,897 Code Violations, 7,814
Cooler Checks, and 3,329 Alcoholic Beverage Pour Outs. Overall, Spring
Break 2011 preparations and response was considered a huge success by
our residents and business owners.

22  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT


 
 

 

 

• Developed the 2011 Memorial Day Weekend action plan for implementation
from May 26 through May 30. The primary objective was safety of our
officers, residents, and visitors, as well as crowd and traffic control. The plan
included staffing, budget, logistics, equipment, road closures, contingencies
and internal and external communications. The weekend concluded with 66
felony arrests and 365 misdemeanor arrests. The Memorial Day Weekend
also concluded with a high profile officer-involved shooting that has been
extensively publicized. The first such incident of this kind since the MBPD
Memorial Day plan was first implemented eleven years ago.

• From May 30 through June 9, Patrol Division personnel increased their
presence around Miami Beach schools for an end of the year school detail
that included the final weeks of school leading up to graduation. In addition
to the end of the school year staffing plan, there was also an ATV beach
detail to enforce civil violations, drinking in public, glass bottles, littering,
etc.

• The summer included the annual 4th of July fireworks celebration, Zoe’s
Summer Groove (an annual children’s benefit), a pro-active motor vehicle
education and enforcement effort in and around the schools and an
enhanced staffing plan for Labor Day Weekend.

• Halloween festivities including entertainment on Lincoln Road was hugely
popular with children and adults, road closures, and enhanced staffing
were implemented to ensure public safety.

23

• The Holiday Enhanced Staffing Plan during November and December was
a highly visible detail using marked units, bicycles, and foot patrol.

• Implemented a Beach Theft Detail from June 9, 2011 through June 27,
2011. This detail provided a comprehensive and proactive response to
beach thefts. This detail maximized existing departmental commitments and
provided specific additional resources for greatest effect. The detail was
comprised of a full squad directed to target beach thefts at peak attendance
hours. The detail included a plain clothes contingent and a midnight shift
ATV component. This plan resulted in 6 Felony Arrests, 23 Misdemeanor
Arrests, 26 Offense Incident Reports and 12 Field Interviews.

• In March 2011, MBPD employees received City of Miami Beach Awards
for Customer Service (Tricia Reeder), Community Volunteer Award (Mimi
Pfrogner), City Betterment and Employee of the Year Award (Julio Blanco).

• On June 14, 2011, the MBPD received multiple awards and recognition
from M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) at their annual awards
banquet for DUI/DRE Enforcement, the use of Sobriety Checkpoints, DUI
Saturation Patrols, with the top M.A.D.D. award going to Officer Robert
Silvagni.

24  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

Criminal Investigations division

Criminal Investigations Unit is comprised of two sections:

Violent Crime Section is a group of investigators who are responsible for violent crime

investigations including homicides, sexual batteries, arsons, kidnapping, aggravated
batteries, child abuse and neglect. This section also includes the Visual Identification
Systems Analysis and Crime Analysis Unit.

Property Crime Section is responsible for the investigation of burglaries, economic crimes,

cyber crimes, thefts, auto crimes, and the tracking of area pawn-shop transactions. The
Crime Scene Squad is also assigned to this Section and is responsible for the processing
of crime scenes, preservation, documentation, and collection of evidence.

25

The following are a few highlights for the Criminal Investigations Unit:
• Concluded an investigation involving the MBPD Robbery Squad, the FBI and
U.S. Marshalls focusing on a group of violent armored car robbers, which
successfully culminated in the arrest of three of the main targets in January
2011. The criminals would rob Brinks armored couriers and target jewelry
stores locally and around the state. On two occasions, store employees were
shot during the commission of these crimes. The Robbery Squad , FBI and
U.S. Marshalls Service set up an elaborate sting as part of the investigation.
Even though the targets were not caught in the “act”, sufficient evidence was
gathered by MB Detectives to successfully prosecute the group for a number
of robberies, attempted murder and at least three homicides.
• An arson investigation was initiated on February 10, 2011, after
a major structure fire was ignited at 430 21st Street. The fire was of a
suspicious nature and Arson Investigator Sgt. Howard Bennett headed the
investigation. Within the next six days a total of ten suspicious fires were
ignited throughout the Collins Park and South Beach areas that included
several large historically significant structures that were under renovation. A
surveillance detail was initiated that led to the capture and arrest of a serial
arsonist responsible for the fires, Joel Paul Williams. Criminal Investigations
Unit Sergeants Bennett and Garcia were awarded the MBPD Officer of the
Month and Miami-Dade County Officer of the Month for this investigation.

26  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

• Located a six year old child who was abducted by his biological father
who is a known pimp and drug addict in June 2011. Detectives initiated
an investigation which included telephone tracking and issued an Amber
Alert. As hours turned into days, the power of the media was requested and
a press conference was held by MBPD Detectives. As detectives continued
their investigation, a cell telephone “hit” for the suspected absconder was
identified in Hollywood, Florida. Detectives immediately saturated the
area and located the child in a black escalade being driven by a known
prostitute and a fugitive warrant was issued for the father. The child was
safely returned to his mother.

• On August 8, 2011 Economic Crimes Detectives effected the arrest of
Oscar and his brother Juan Souffront following months of investigative work
regarding the brother’s fraudulent drivers license operation. The brothers
utilized high quality equipment to produce the fraudulent licenses which
were sold for hundreds of dollars each. A warrant was executed resulting
in the confiscation of over seventy items to include three handguns, one
shotgun, and AR-15 rifle, multiple knives, and three vehicles.

• Since 2009, a group of suspects began a violent robbery spree which
included many different jurisdictions. Although many police agencies were
investigating these crimes, a correlation was not made that the subjects were
involved in so many cases until they hit in Miami Beach. On September 9,
2011, the group of suspects traveled to Miami Beach (after committing a
robbery in the City of Miami Gardens) with the intention of committing an
armed robbery. Two of the suspects robbed a group of people in the area
of 22nd Street and Park Avenue. Shots were fired during the robbery but
no one was hit. The Robbery Squad developed leads and the suspects were
arrested with a cache of guns and stolen property. The suspects (6 in all)
were charged with the RICO statute. Four of the six defendants have plea
bargained, clearing a total of ten cases which included an armed robbery
and home invasion.

• Of the 6 homicides committed in 2011, all subjects have either been
arrested or identified.

• Of the 4 Police involved shootings in 2011, all subjects have been either
arrested or identified.

• On July 19, 2011, the Special Victims Squad along with the U.S. Secret
Service executed a search warrant for a subject who was believed to be in
possession of child pornography. While searching the subject’s residence a
laptop was discovered. A search of the computer revealed six original child
pornography movies. In addition to these six movies, approximately 300
child pornography movies were also located. The subject waived his rights
and gave a full confession and was subsequently sentenced to 110 months
in federal prison, followed by 15 years probation. The subject will also be
labeled a Sex Offender for the remainder of his life.

• On July 23, 2011, Detectives responded to a shooting at Collins Avenue
involving an Off-Duty NYPD Officer. The victim officer was robbed by two
subjects and suffered a gunshot wound. The officer was able to return
fire during the robbery wounding a subject. The officer was transported
to Ryder Trauma Center and was treated for life threatening injuries. The
investigation led to a suspect located at Plantation Hospital with multiple
gunshot wounds. Detectives responded to the hospital and met with the

27

Plantation Officer on the scene. The officer had recovered a projectile which
fell out of the subject’s clothing. The projectile was submitted to the Miami-
Dade Police Department’s lab for analysis. As the investigation continued,
an additional subject was identified. The subject at the hospital and the
second subject were later identified were both picked out of photo line-ups.
The subjects were arrested for robbery and attempted murder.

• The Criminal Investigations Unit hosted numerous community outreach
sessions/meetings including Spring Break Sexual Battery Prevention, Hotel
Theft and Fraud Awareness and also conducted Nightly Outreach Details
during the spring break period.

Strategic Investigations Unit (SIU) is responsible for the investigation of all illegal

narcotics, money laundering, prostitution, vice, and organized crime activity. SIU
conducts sensitive investigations at the direction of the Chief of Police, Assistant Chief of
Police or the CID Commander.

Additionally, this unit conducts intelligence gathering activities and works closely with
other agencies and City Departments. Further, SIU actively monitors and participates in
local, state, and federal terrorism task forces.

Highlights from 2011 for the Strategic Investigations Unit:

• Detectives effected 1031 arrests during FY 2010-2011 with 405 arrests
narcotics related, 486 prostitution related, and 140 other arrests.

• Detectives confiscated 2,678 grams of cocaine, 8,625 grams of marijuana,
215 grams of ecstasy, and 224 of crystal methadrine.

• Concluded the “Beach Caviar” investigation with SIU detectives and FBI
agents which involved 88 victims and resulted in the multiple arrests of
Russian organized crime figures who were operating a couple of local
entertainment businesses in the City. MBPD Detective Luis King played an
integral role in this undercover operation posing as a corrupt police officer
and was subsequently recognized as the Miami Dade County Association
of Chiefs of Police as their Officer of the Month for May, 2011.

• Detectives participated in the South Florida Money Laundering Strike Force
(SFMLSF). During 2011 SFMLSF confiscated $24,999,091 in US currency,
22 weapons, 21kilograms of heroin, 180 kilograms of cocaine, 4,398
pounds of marijuana, and effected 71 arrests through in state and out of
state investigations.

• During multiple investigations detectives, assigned to the HIDTA IRS-
Financial Investigation Strike Force (F.I.S.T.), confiscated $12,386,528 in
US currency, real estate, personal property, and vessels were also effected.

28  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

SUPPORT SERVICE DIVISION

The Support Services Division is comprised of the following entities:

Personnel Management Unit manages the human resources function and is comprised of

the Background Investigations Section and the Training Section.

The Training Unit has also continued to perform a variety of community outreach functions
including the City’s Leadership Academy, Employee Academy, and the Citizens Police
Academy (CPA) program.

Background Investigations Section is responsible for conducting background

investigations of Police Department applicants as well as other applicants for other City
departments. During 2011, the Backgrounds Investigation Section completed a total
of 65 background investigations. This included 36 candidates who were disqualified
and 29 candidates that withdrew from the process. As a result of these background
investigations 15 civilians and 9 sworn individuals were hired. Background investigators
also completed 53 Voice Stress Analysis exams and responded to 115 public records
requests.

Training Section is responsible for all departmental training including the firearms

qualifications of all sworn personnel and the maintenance of the range and related
specialized equipment. All departmental training is coordinated through this Section.
Training includes in-service instruction, MBPD sponsored schools, schools conducted by
other agencies and the police academy. During 2011 the Training Section coordinated
the following:

• 46 paid schools • 190 scenario based training
• 368 free external schools classes
• 539 in-house classes
• 5,392 attendees in school • 135 ADS training classes
• 21,851 total hours of training
• 606 taser training classes

• 470 handgun practice
sessions

• 591 handgun qualifications • 121 advanced rifle course
• 7 shotgun qualifications participants
• 18 AR-15 qualifications
• 23 SWAT qualifications

29

Business Resource Management Unit manages the Court Liaison Office, Off-Duty Team,

and the Payroll Team.

Court Liaison Office (CLO) coordinates attendance for police department personnel to

all judicial proceedings arising from law enforcement efforts. The CLO networks with the
State Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, and private attorneys on behalf of
the MBPD employees involving criminal justice issues. The CLO is responsible for tracking
all subpoenas using an automated system.
The CLO currently uses the countywide E-Notify system to respond to court notices and
subpoenas, view calendars and notify the court of scheduled leave. Personnel assigned to
CLO provide notifications of all assignments and schedule changes, enabling appearances
to be coordinated with each officer’s on-duty schedule. For appearances that are off-duty,
the CLO approves the overtime and ensures that departmental guidelines are being
adhered to. The CLO provides reports pertaining to all court attendance by officers. The
CLO processed approximately 14,964 hours of overtime for court appearances and
input 43,205 subpoenas into the E-Notify system.

Payroll Team is responsible for monitoring, processing and auditing of all data related

to the monetary earnings and leave accruals of each employee assigned to the Police
Department.
This team assures the department’s compliance with union contractual obligations, City
regulations and departmental guidelines. This Team also serves as a liaison between
Police Department personnel on Human Resources, Finance, Insurance, and Risk
Management matters.

30  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

Off-Duty Team coordinates, directs, plans, audits, and supervises all off-duty police

services. This team is responsible for receiving, evaluating, and screening all off-duty
jobs. The Off-Duty Team also ensures compliance with all procedures regarding off-duty
employment. During 2011, the Off-Duty team scheduled off-duty officers for 78 Special
Events, 478 temporary off-duty jobs, and 144 film off-duty jobs for a total of 73,434
off-duty hours.
The Off-Duty Team is a member of the Nightlife Industry Task Force and has a close
working relationship with the City’s Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office.

Property and Evidence Unit (PEU) manages four general areas of responsibility including

property and evidence storage, all police vehicles, maintenance of all police buildings,
and the quartermaster function.
PEU is responsible for reception, processing, storage and final disposition of all police
evidence. The PEU is also tasked with securing bio-hazardous materials pending analysis
or destruction, and the safe-guarding of select items of property. Maintaining an inventory
of stored items and police equipment is also a primary function of PEU.
During 2011 PEU accomplished the following:

• Impounded 15,976 items
• Released 12,473 items
• Impounded 252 Firearms
• Coordinated the reception of 2,640 Vehicles and the release of 2,512

Vehicles
• Coordinated the reception of $420,791 and the release of $374,573 in

US currency

31

PEU manages the Police Department’s fleet of vehicles including all police cars, motorcycles,
All Terrain Vehicles, trucks, bicycles, electric cars, and trailers. The PEU Commander is
the liaison between the Police Department and the City’s Fleet Management Department.
PEU maintains the security of the Police Headquarters building, furniture, equipment and
various systems such as alarms, intercom, air conditioning, and water. This includes the
upkeep of the building which functions on a 24 hour / 7 day basis. Maintaining the
building includes all preparations for tropical storms and hurricanes. PEU works closely
with the City’s Property Management Department for major repairs or improvements to
the building.
Another primary responsibility of the PEU is to operate the Department’s quartermaster
dispensing all uniform and accessory equipment items such as shoes, boots, gun belts,
riot helmets, hand cuffs, and weapons.

32  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

Technical Services Division

Technical Services Division is comprised of the Public Safety Communications Unit (PSCU)
and the Professional Standards Unit (PSU). Moreover, the Professional Standards Unit is
comprised of the following sections: Information Resources Office, Records Management
Section and the Accreditation Management Team.

Public Safety Communications Unit (PSCU) is a 24 hour / 7 day operation receiving,

classifying, and dispatching requests for police, fire, and fire-rescue services.

The PSCU ensures command and control communications capabilities for the Miami Beach
Police and Fire Departments as well as City government to include disaster emergency
operations. PSCU also interfaces with national and state level crime information data
bases (NCIC/FCIC) to ensure immediate access to criminal history information for law
enforcement personnel in the field. Upon request, PSCU provides the public, media,
and law enforcement agencies audio tape recordings of all MBPD radio transmissions
and telephone calls received in the system. Further, PSCU maintains ongoing electronic
monitoring of the environmental status and security of City properties.

PSCU recently implemented state of the art technology with the installation of computer
aided dispatch. This includes computer based software which enables call takers to triage
medical calls for service to ensure that the appropriate fire rescue units are dispatched.
PSCU also has a modern media wall that provides PSCU personnel with up to date
information on police and fire calls for service, vehicle location of field units within the
City, weather alerts and breaking news. During 2010 the new state of the art POSITRON
telephone answering equipment and reporting software was installed and implemented.
This enables PSCU to track 911 calls. During 2011 PSCU handled 137,662 incoming
calls for service.

PSCU participated in the City of Miami Beach’s effort to receive the designation of a
“Storm Ready Community” from the National Weather Service (NWS). To be considered
officially Storm Ready, a community must meet the following criteria:

• Establish a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center;

• Have several ways to receive severe weather warnings and forecasts and
to alert the public;

• Create a system that monitors weather conditions locally;

• Promote the importance of public readiness through community seminars;
and,

• Develop a formal hazardous weather plan, which includes training severe
weather spotters and holding emergency exercises.

Accomplishments of the PSCU for 2011:

• Enhanced the Quality Assurance Program, through greater accountability.

• Secured funding for the entry alarm and video monitoring of the E911 Room
at the EOC.

• Began testing of the New World Systems electronic 2011 Florida Crash
Report.

• Implemented a Continuing Education Program for employees.

33


 


 
 

• Safety Net Training with the Criminal Investigations Unit.
• Lo Jack Training with the Criminal Investigations Unit.
• Hate Crimes training with the Criminal Investigations Unit.
• Initiated dispatch plan to accommodate the new Patrol Division’s Community
Policing plan.
• Launched Priority Dispatch Medical Pre Arrival Instruction software on all
telephone sets.
• Communication Center assisted the Fire Department by facilitating their
“Class 1” service level by ensuring up to date policies and procedures.
• Launched “ECAD View” to the entire agency so others can view CAD
activity.
• Created civilian / sworn committee to form better working relationships with
other members of the agency.
• Participated in a Multi Jurisdictional Homeland Security exercise for
communications for Memorial Day Weekend 2011.
• PSAP Commander received COM-L Certification.
• Instituted the monthly Captain’s Award for exemplary service.
• Successfully passed the FDLE audit with a near perfect score.

Professional Standards Unit is comprised of the Records Management Section, the

Information Resource Office, and the Accreditation Management Team.
The Accreditation Management Team is responsible for the management of the
Department’s accreditation process and compliance with the Commission on Accreditation
for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. (CALEA) and Commission for Florida Accreditation
(CFA) standards.
The MBPD is in the second year of the CFA re-accreditation status and is starting the third
year of the CALEA accreditation cycle.

34  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

The PSU is also responsible for updating and revising the Department’s standard operating
procedures (SOPs) and ensuring these SOPS are an accurate representation of how the
Police Department actually operates as well as complying with all accreditation standards.
This process was critically important to the successful re-accreditation inspection.

Accomplishments from the Accreditation Management Team for 2011:

• Assisted with the installation process of PowerDMS software.

• Responded to 143 instances of Departmental questions regarding SOP/
General Order (GO) application and interpretation.

• Reviewed 286 CALEA Standards for Departmental compliance

• Significant SOP and GO drafts and revisions were undertaken

Information Resources Office (IRO) is responsible for managing the information

resources of the department including collection, storage, retrieval, dissemination and
report. IRO undertakes these functions through both manual and automated systems
and processes. The IRO is also responsible for researching, procuring, developing and
managing computerized systems, equipment and applications.

This entails implementing and managing major systems such as computer aided dispatch,
records management, and the mobile computing system. IRO also acts as the liaison
between the Police Department and the City’s Information Technology Department.

Accomplishments from the Information Resources Office for 2011:

• Worked with IT and Patrol Division to create a web based log sheet for
Patrol Statistics.

• Implemented and set up RLEX Regional data-sharing project. Attended
three day CopLink Train-the-trainer for R-LEX Florida Regional Data Sharing
Project system.

• Configuration and Testing of RapidID fingerprint identification system, which
will run through the MDPD Photo Imaging System.

• Assigned as Miami-Dade County Association Chiefs of Police A-Form
Committee Member to help determine the implementation needs of the
automated A-form for the Miami-Dade County Police agencies. Completed
Technical review and scoring in RFP process. Currently beginning A-Form
Automation Joint Application and Design and implementation meetings.

• Coordinated with IT to deploy and set-up 26 CID laptop workstation
replacements.

• Deployment and reporting of Byrne Grant purchased APS E-citation software
and Zebra Printers. Coordinated with APS technical support and completed
several required updates for Virtual Partner software.

• Created Power Point Training Series for Department Field Report Training in
order to standardize future training and deployment. Continue to send and
record Training Reminder Updates to address user errors.

35

• Created and deployed numerous Departmental forms in electronic format
on PowerDMS.

• Coordination and management of the Miami-Dade County Photo Imaging
System.

• Ongoing Mobile Management to include weekly Records clean-up and
assistance, providing training reminders for all users, providing 24/7 tech
support for all Mobile users, coordination of laptop deployment, repair, and
user issue troubleshooting.

Records Management Section (RMS) receives, stores, maintains, and retrieves all Police

Department records and files; this section ensures compliance with all State reporting
requirements under the Uniform Crime Reporting system; responds to all public records
requests; oversees the False Alarm Office and Validations Office, and serves as the
official records custodian for the Police Department.
Accomplishments from the Records Management Section in 2011:

• Serviced 6,216 customers and collected $34,516.86 for services rendered.
Collected $7,050.00 in false alarm fines.

• Managed capital felony records, court orders for expunging and sealing of
records, and processing of all uniform traffic citations.

• Responded to a myriad of public records requests from around the world.
They were completed in a timely manner and returned in person, via email,
mail and fax.

• Maintained and reported statistical data bi-weekly, monthly, semi-annually,
and annually.

• Provided enhanced support for all Alpha/Bravo mobilizations and special
events.

• Attended UCR training provided by FDLE.

36  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

events

TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11

Federal law enforcement authorities issued a nationwide warning for the period
surrounding the 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorism attacks on our country.
In response to this heightened threat level, the MBPD activated the Terrorism Response
Plan from September 9th through September 12th, 2011. The plan was designed to
address potential threats to our City’s residents, visitors and businesses; included in the
plan were the following law enforcement agencies, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force
as well as local, State, and Federal Agencies (including the United States Coast Guard).
The high liability target areas were identified and had watch orders issued. These
locations were monitored from Friday through Monday. The MBPD also had additional
officers and SWAT team members on duty throughout this time period. Each of the
causeways coming into the City of Miami Beach had police units monitoring the bridges,
where traffic stops were conducted on enclosed box trucks, tractor-trailers, and other
vehicles carrying hazardous materials. There were also fire engines staged at the end of
the causeways to assist the Police Department in several capacities, if needed.

37

A press release was also prepared and distributed to ask for the public’s vigilance and
assistance with reporting any suspicious activity by immediately contacting the MBPD at
305.673.7901 if any of the following was observed:

• Photos being taken of critical infrastructure (e.g. water tower, power station, port,
government buildings, religious institutions, schools, hospitals, etc.).

• A suspicious person (s) attempting to gain access to a secure area of a government
facility.

• Unusual questions related to secure structures, or non public procedures
• A person(s) who appears unable to operate equipment such as a semi truck or

a large vessel.
• Presenting fraudulent identification.
Through their vigilance, intelligence gathering, law enforcement partnerships, community
outreach, and strategic deployment of enhanced staffing, the Miami Beach Police
Department was able to keep the entire City under a close and watchful eye to ensure
optimal public safety throughout this period of heightened alert.
The City of Miami Beach held a Remembrance Ceremony on 9/11/11 at City Hall to
honor the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

38  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

Miami Beach Police Department Hosted A Softball Tournament to Benefit
Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team (WWAST)

The Miami Beach Police Department hosted a two-day softball tournament at Flamingo
Park on December 16 and 17, 2011, to benefit the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball
Team (WWAST).
The mission of the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is to raise awareness,
through exhibition and celebrity softball games, of the sacrifices and resilience of our
military, and highlight their ability to rise above any challenge.
The Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team is comprised of young, competitive,
athletic veterans and active duty soldiers who have lost limbs post-9/11, while serving
their country in Iraq and Afghanistan. The team includes individuals with a variety of
amputations of the arm, above knee, below knee, bilateral below knee, and foot. Playing
on this team is therapeutic for its members and helps show the country that wounded
veterans can still do amazing things. They truly embody the American spirit and never
give up.
The WWAST competed against softball teams from the Miami Beach Police Department,
the Miami Beach Fire Department, the Miami-Dade Police Department, the Miami Police
Department and the Hialeah Police Department.

39

WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT SOLDIER’S RIDE JANUARY 13, 2011

The Wounded Warrior Project sponsors the annual Soldier’s Ride event that provides
adaptive cycling opportunities across the country to help wounded warriors restore
their physical and emotional well-being. It is a unique cycling experience that honors
our military men and women as they courageously battle serious physical injuries and
psychological trauma of war. Through the exhilaration of cycling, warriors embrace
possibilities for the future in a supportive environment with fellow injured service members.
The 2011 Soldier’s Ride started at Finnegan’s Way on Ocean Drive and continued to the
Veterans Administration Medical Center in Miami.

40  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

MBPD “PINK” PATROL CAR FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

The Miami Beach Police Department unveiled a pink police car, in support of breast
cancer awareness month. The vehicle will be featured in the front of the police station
and at many breast cancer awareness events throughout the month of October, to include
the Susan G. Komen race on October 15, 2011. The police vehicle is a fully functional
police car, equipped with lights and sirens.

41

TAKE YOUR CHILD TO WORK DAY – APRIL 28, 2011

Take Your Child to Work Day is a truly unique opportunity for the children of City of
Miami Beach employees to get a glimpse of their parent’s work lives. In addition to
spending time in their parent’s specific work area, many also participated in the Police
Department’s program of fun-filled activities at the Police Athletic League / Flamingo
Park. This year’s events included a Continental Breakfast followed by a Bomb Squad
demonstration by the Miami-Dade Police Department, a Firefighter challenge, a K9
Demonstration, Motorcycle Squad demonstration, a SWAT demonstration at the MBPD
Police Headquarters building, and ended with meeting Chief Carlos Noriega.

42  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

MIAMI BEACH POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE’S THANKSGIVING BASKET GIVEAWAY

For the past 33 years the Miami Beach Police Athletic League has provided Thanksgiving
baskets to the less fortunate in our local schools and community. In 2011, 550 baskets
were distributed overflowing with can goods, fresh vegetables, bread, a turkey, and of
course a dessert is included.
The event was held at the Nautilus Middle School Auditorium at 4301 North Michigan
Avenue on November 22, 2011.
In attendance were Chief Noriega and A/Chief Raymond Martinez, members of the
Command Staff, PAL Board Members, MBPD Officers and other volunteers.

43

VETERANS DAY PARADE NOVEMBER 11, 2011

In honor of those who have served in the armed forces, the City of Miami Beach hosted
its annual Veterans Day parade on November 11, 2011. The parade began at 9:30
a.m. from Convention Center Drive and 17th Street. The MBPD Honor Guard led the
way and were followed by the US Military-Southern Command Joint Color Guard. Other
Honor Guards that participated: Miami-Dade Police, Miami-Dade Corrections, Orange
County Corrections, Bal Harbour Police, BSO Fire Department. The procession went to
Washington Avenue, south to Eleventh Street and west into Flamingo Park. A wreath
ceremony and 21-gun salute honored those who died in combat. A moment of silence
was observed at 11 a.m. in a tribute to the World War Armistice Day tradition.

44  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

CHRISTMAS TOY GIVEAWAY
 

The Annual Miami Beach Police Department’s Christmas Toy Giveaway (Relief Fund)
was held on Saturday, December 17, 2011. There is no better way to get into the
holiday spirit than to be around excited, happy children. This year had over 450 children
participating in the Toy Giveaway.

United States Honor Flag at MBPD Headquarters

The United States Honor Flag (USHF) was featured at the Miami-Beach Police Department
Headquarters, 1100 Washington Avenue on Monday, May 2, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. to
Honor Justice Served, and for those who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11 as well as
those who without hesitation put their life on the line in the pursuit of American Justice.
This event was covered by the news media along with of the announcement of the
successful raid by United States Navy Seals on Osama Bin Ladin’s compound in Pakistan
and his ultimate demise.

The United States Honor Flag returned to the MBPD Headquarters on Thursday, May 5,
2011 for the MBPD Police Memorial Ceremony. The USHF was taken later that day to
Tropical Park for the Miami-Dade County Police Memorial Ceremony. Following these
two Police Memorial ceremonies Officer Manny Valdez, a member of the MBPD Honor
Guard also escorted the USHF to the Pentagon in Washington D.C. Escorting the USHF
is a distinct honor reserved for the Nation’s best.

45

POLICE MEMORIAL MAY 5, 2011

The Miami Beach Police Memorial ceremony is the one day of the year where the
Department formally honor Police Officers who have given their lives while protecting
others. On this date we honor the memory of the following Miami Beach Police Officers:
Officer David Cecil Beardon, March 30, 1928
Officer William “Nick” Nichols, February 4, 1936
Sergeant Robert Boyle, August 31, 1936
Officer Donald Kramer, February 25, 1984
Officer John Carrol Koppin, December 26, 1984
Officer Robert Edward Fitzpatrick, April 3, 1985
Officer Scott Richard Rakow, June 30, 1988

46  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

PROJECT HERO – HONORING EVERY RESTING OFFICER

Project Hero (Honoring Every Resting Officer) took place prior to the annual Police
Memorial Ceremony on May 5, 2011. A 4’ x 6’ thin blue line flag has been added to
our Department Colors at our headquarters building.
The Honor Guard traveled to the grave sites of the following MBPD officers who were all
killed in the line of duty who were buried in Miami-Dade County. Grave markers along
with an American flag and a thin blue line flag were added to each grave site. They will
remain posted during the entire month of May to honor our fallen heroes.

• Officer William Nichols, killed 02/04/1936
• Officer John Koppin, Killed 12/26/1984
• Officer Donald Kramer, killed 02/25/1984
• Officer Scott Rakow, killed 06/30/1988
The POAT arranged for the same honors to be rendered to:
• Officer David Bearden, killed 03/20/1928-buried in Maplesville Alabama
• Sergeant Robert Boyle, killed 08/31/1936-buried in Camden New Jersey

47

AWARDS

January 2011
Officer of the Month Officer Frank Celestre

Officer Celestre documented an auto burglary report early in his shift from a tourist victim.
The property taken was worth $1,050 and included a digital camera and cell phone.
Information on the subject was developed with the assistance of a witness and video
surveillance tapes. Officer Celestre returned to the store where the crime took place to
watch the video of the crime and began to canvass the neighborhood for the subject.
Officer Celestre spotted the subject across the street from the business and was able to
confront and detain. Officer Celestre located the victim’s cell phone in the subject’s front
left pocket. The subject spontaneously stated that he sold the other property, a camera
to South Beach Wireless on Washington Avenue. Officer Celestre followed up on the
investigation and arrested the subject.

Life Saving Award
Lt. Octavio Rabelo, Sgt. Osvaldo Ramos, Sgt. Jeffrey Motola, and Lt. Paul Acosta

The Tropical 5K road race took place on January 29, 2011. The event was coordinated
by Lt. Paul Acosta. The event was coordinated by Lt. Paul Acosta. Directing traffic along
Alton Road were police supervisors Sgt. Ramos and Sgt. Motola. One of the runners,
a Mr. Bob Callahan, suffered a heart attack and fell down in the areas where Sgt.
Ramos was directing traffic. Mr. Callahan suffered what was later determined to be a
massive heart attack and fell face forward on the concrete while many runners passed
him by. Mr. Callahan suffered obvious trauma to his face and was bleeding profusely
from the nose and mouth. Sgt. Ramos witnessed his fall and ran over to render aid. Sgt.
Ramos immediately requested Fire-Rescue respond advising that Mr. Callahan was not
breathing. Lt. Rabelo, Lt. Acosta, and Sgt. Motola were the first to arrive and begin CPR.

48  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

Lt. Rabelo began chest compressions while Sgt. Motola began rescue breathing for Mr.
Callahan. Working together, Sergeants Ramos and Motola, and Lieutenants Rabelo and
Acosta were able to restore breathing and a pulse. Being familiar with the race course,
Lt. Acosta was able to ensure that Fire Rescue had the most direct route to their location
by coordinating their response via the radio. Working together, they were able to
maintain basic cardiac function until Fire Rescue finally arrived. Lieutenants Rabelo and
Acosta coordinated with Dayshift Patrol to create an unobstructed route to the emergency
room at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Administering CPR is not an everyday occurrence for police
officers and these officers were commended for going the extra mile to do everything
possible to save the life of Mr. Callahan.

Life Saving Award Officer Michelle Schweiker

On Monday, January 31, 2011, at approximately 9:20 p.m., Officer Schweiker had
just left an off-duty detail and was northbound on I-95. As she approached NW 136th
Street, all four lanes were completely stopped. Officer Schweiker moved into the HOV
lane and drove north to investigate. As she drove north, she observed a column of smoke
rising in front of the stopped cars. Frantic citizens began pounding on her window to
tell her that she had to help the baby. When she reached the smoke she found a five car
crash with one of the vehicles fully engulfed in flames. Officer Schweiker was the first
responder (police or fire) on the scene. Before she could advise the dispatcher of her
situation, she learned a woman was trapped in one of the vehicles, a six year old child
was injured, and a four year old child was critically injured. Officer Schweiker was able
to block traffic with her police vehicle, calmly advise dispatch of the situation and request
fire-rescue and police assistance. The four year old child appeared to have the worst
injuries with both legs broken and blood in her mouth and nose. Officer Schweiker, still
on the scene alone, began to administer first aid and attempt to calm the crash victims.
The four year old’s condition continued to deteriorate. Officer Schweiker began to
administer CPR to the child as Miami fire fighters began to arrive. She continued to assist
with CPR as they had to move the child due to the excessive smoke, heat, and exploding
tires. Miami Fire Rescue took over the resuscitation efforts and transported the child to
the hospital.

As the lone first responder, Officer Schweiker showed true dedication and commitment
by assessing the situation, requesting assistance, and taking control of a volatile, chaotic
situation. Officer Schweiker risked her personal safety by administering CPR so close to
a burning vehicle and trying to save the life of a critically injured child.

February 2011

Officer of the Month
Sergeant Howard Bennett and Sergeant Ibrahim Garcia

During the beginning of February a string of arson fires were ignited throughout the Collins
Park and South Beach areas. These fires ranged from dumpster fires to structure fires
including the Tyler Apartments, the Collins Plaza Hotel, the Copley Terrace Apartments,
and Hotel Miljean. Sergeants Bennett and Garcia worked together with local, State
and Federal Fire Investigators to survey all forensic evidence and pursue all possible
leads. Their diligence resulted in a possible subject being identified. A surveillance
was initiated and the subject was followed for several hours. The subject, Joel Paul
Williams, was stopped and found to be carrying multiple knives. During the interview of
the subject, Sergeants Bennett and Garcia were able to obtain incriminating statements.
Forensic Evidence led to the charging of the subject with two counts of Arson, two counts
of carrying a concealed weapon, and one count of burglary.

49

Medal of Valor
Sergeant SteveN Feldman and Officers Robert Chenoweth and Grant Reid

Officer Robert Chenoweth was on routine patrol in the area of 28th Street when he
smelled smoke. He searched for the origin and came upon smoke, billowing from the
2234 Prairie Avenue. Officer Chenoweth began looking for the entrance to the residence
while calling aloud to any possible occupants. After knocking and yelling loudly on the
door of an adjacent small structure on the property grounds, Officer Chenoweth, Reid
and Sergeant Feldman saw an elderly man appear in a corridor of the property behind
a tall locked gate. The officers called out to the elderly man, telling him there was a
fire in the home and to open the gate. Suddenly, the elderly man unexpectedly turned
away and walked back into the burning home, ignoring the Officers plea. The officers
began kicking at the padlock securing the gate. After several tries, the latch broke and
they were able to enter the smoke and fire filled home; yelling for the elderly man. They
located him in a bedroom and were able to grab the elderly man and quickly escaped
the burning home. The elderly man was transported to Mt. Sinai Hospital and his family
was notified. As a result of the collective efforts of the officers, the elderly man escaped
the fire in good condition.

March 2011

Officer of the Month Officer Antonio Ferbeyre

On March 31, 2011 at approximately 11:00 p.m., two tourists from Brazil were walking
on the boardwalk when they were robbed at gunpoint by a subject who tried to identify
himself as a police officer. The subject was later identified as Michael Cunningham.
Subject Cunningham was described by the victims as being a white male wearing a
blue shirt. Officer Ferbeyre arrived within minutes and began searching the surrounding
beach and boardwalk area. During his canvas of the area, Officer Ferbeyre observed
a female carrying her two year old son wrapped in a blue shirt. He stopped the female
and began a line of well thought out questioning. The female eventually admitted
knowing the subject and further stated that after robbing the two victims at gunpoint, the
subject changed his clothes and was planning on meeting her in the area of 75th Street
and Collins Avenue and then leaving the area in a taxi cab.

After further interviews and investigational leads, the Robbery Squad was able to track
the subject in the area of the 18500 block of Collins Avenue. With the assistance of
the Crime Suppression Team and K9 Officers, the subject was located on the beach
attempting to conceal himself in the sea oats. The subject confessed and was arrested
and charged with Robbery with a Firearm, Impersonating a Police Officer, and Giving
a False Name While Detained. Additionally, the female, Nicole Hendrick was charged
with two counts of Child Neglect (for her two children that are under the age of 2)
and one count of Accessory After the Fact. Post arrest, it was determined that Subject
Cunningham was a documented sexual offender and wanted in Kansas City, Missouri,
for an occupied burglary. He has also been arrested three additional times in Miami
Beach and extradited three times for different warrants.

This investigation was a clear example of outstanding teamwork and tenacity that led
to the arrest of a violent armed sexual offender who was determined to escape justice.
Officer Ferbeyre’s keen eye for detail and sharp instinct to connect the possibility of a
baby wrapped in a blue shirt to the armed robbery that had occurred minutes earlier, led
to the identification and ultimately the arrest of the subject, Michael Roy Cunningham, a
habitual offender.

50  2011 MIAMI BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT

April 2011

Officer of the Month
Detective Luis King (see MDCACP Officer of the Month Section)

Civilian of the Month Latent Fingerprint Examiner Philip Womack

During Phil Womack’s two years with the Miami Beach Police Department’s Crime
Scene Unit, there have been numerous criminal cases that have been solved due to
the identification of a finger print by which was linked to a subject by Phil Womack.
Most recently, several individuals who had been plaguing the City of Miami Beach with
vehicle burglaries were identified by Mr. Womack. These vehicle burglaries included a
police vehicle where items belonging to both the officer and the City were taken. The
identification made of the latent finger prints by Mr. Womack led to their apprehension
and arrests. Mr. Womack brings twenty-five years of experience in the science of
Fingerprint Identification to the Crime Scene Squad and is also responsible for training
all new Latent Examiners. His daily performance provides a truly extraordinary example
of excellence, expertise, commitment and collaboration.

May 2011

Officer of the Month Officer Robert Martinez

On May 1, 2011, Officer Robert Martinez was dispatched to a Battery on the Elderly
call at 850 Bruce Street. As the information was being given to the officer on the scene,
a description of the subjects was broadcast over the radio. Officer Martinez immediately
began canvassing the area for the subjects. The description of the subjects as teenagers
prompted Officer Robert Martinez to begin checking the area known as “Crab Alley”,
a walkway that runs along the west side of Biscayne Elementary and connects, via
footbridge, to Parkview Island. Officer Martinez knew that this as a popular hangout
area for juveniles in the North District and thought there may be a good chance that the
subjects might be hiding there. Officer Martinez located two subjects in this area that
matched the subject’s description and detained them while waiting for the other officer
to bring the victim for a “show up” to identify the subjects. While waiting for the “show-
up”, Officer Martinez was able to obtain a confession from one of the subjects and place
him under arrest. Officer Martinez’s swift response and knowledge of the North District’s
hiding spots led to the arrest of this violent subject.

June 2011

Officer of the Month Officer Randolph Smith

On June 23, 2011, Officers Smith and Lincoln were dispatched to 201 Aqua Avenue
where a homeless individual had run into the building and was running down the
hallways screaming that he was going to kill someone and for the police to stop chasing
and tasering him. Officers Smith and Lincoln made contact with the homeless individual
on the 8th floor of the building. By this time, the homeless individual had fled into a
storage room while cursing and threatening the officers and screaming several incoherent
statements.

Officer Smith began to talk to the agitated homeless individual in a very calming and
patient manner. The homeless individual was screaming that he was not going anywhere
because people were following him and he threatened to fight with anyone that got too
close to him. Officer Smith continued to attempt to calmly talk to him and build a rapport.