The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program (42 U.S.C. 3751(a)) is the primary provider of federal criminal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions. The JAG Program provides states and units of local governments with critical funding necessary to support a range of program areas. JAG funds may be used for local initiatives such as additional personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, training, technical assistance and information systems for criminal justice, including any one or more of the following:
· Law enforcement programs.
· Prosecution and court programs
· Prevention and education programs.
· Corrections and community corrections programs.
· Drug treatment and enforcement programs.
· Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs.
· Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation).
· Mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs.
The Department of Justice requires that the applicant agency accepts certain Certifications and Assurances. These Certifications and Assurances include, but are not limited to the following three items which are summarized as follows: 1) JAG funds may not be used to supplant state or local funds but must be used to increase the amounts of such funds, that would, in the absence of federal funds, be made available for law enforcement activities; 2) The application must be made available for review by the governing body; and, 3) The application must be made public and an opportunity to comment on the application provided to citizens. In addition, the City is required to certify that it complies with prohibitions on certain actions regarding information regarding citizenship and immigration status and complies with 8 U.S.C. §§ 1373 &1644.
As such, the purpose of this agenda item is to make information regarding the Fiscal Year 2020 JAG application available to the public. In addition to this agenda item, information regarding this grant and the grant application are available on the City’s website at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/office-of-budget-performance/. The website also provides an opportunity for comment.
Battery Packs for Optimal Surveillance Camera Coverage
The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD), with 415 officers and 95 civilians, strives to prevent crime, enhance public safety, and support victims of crimes. MBPD works to provide a competent and well-trained police force, heightened visibility and community-focused policing, mutually beneficial community partnership and the strategic deployment of advanced technological resources.
Supported by evidence-based data, the City of Miami Beach has in prior years invested in a Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Program using video surveillance as a tool to keep the City safer. CCTV footage can play a critical role in investigations, including, but not limited to providing evidence of an offense; helping prove/disprove allegations; providing evidence of police action and response; assisting with missing person investigations and providing material for intelligence systems. CCTV surveillance cameras are highly useful for investigative purpose.
The challenge right now is that some of the surveillance cameras on the public rights-of-way rely on electrical power to function. As a result, they are only “on” when the power to the streetlights are on, which is only during night hours. During the day, incidents are not captured.
Increasing technological resources is critical to the MBPD’s success in reducing crime, enhancing officer safety, and strengthening community safety, well-being, and confidence. The City has identified the need for surveillance camera battery packs and is therefore requesting JAG funding to purchase this much needed equipment. With the battery packs, approximately 12 surveillance camera locations on the public right-of-way will be operational 24 hours per day. They will recharge when the power is on and rely on the battery when the power is off thus providing optimal 24-hour coverage.
The City intends to use $61,429 in Fiscal Year 2020 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds to purchase CCTV surveillance camera battery packs and also the City will set-aside approximately 3% of the grant for the National Incident-Base Reporting System (NIBRS) requirement as mandated by the Department of Justice. Matching funds are not required for this grant.