In an effort to address the immediate needs of domestic violence victims, a recurring expenditure enhancement of $21,000 was allocated during the September 15, 2019 Commission Meeting for the specific use of “Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter”.

During its October 5, 2020 monthly meeting, the Human Rights Committee passed a motion to recommend the broadening of the scope of the expenditure to include additional direct services to be provided to any victim of a crime.

While the funds allow individuals in abusive domestic situations to be housed in either a contracted private shelter or in hotel rooms as necessary, the allocation is overly restrictive and does not comprehensively address the multiple emergency needs faced by these victims and those of similar and relevant crimes. A victim of sexual abuse who does not directly fall under the category of “domestic violence”, for example, would not qualify for shelter assistance.

To better honor the intent of the allocation and better support the Department’s services to the community, the Miami Beach Police Department therefore requests authorization to broaden the scope of the expenditure enhancement to allow the use of any remaining funds to address any necessary direct emergency services provided by the Department to identified legitimate victims of crime.

The broadening of services should include (but not be limited to) shelter, transportation (i.e., to attend mandatory legal meetings), food and vouchers, emergency clothing and toiletries, blankets, door lock changes, door/window repairs, and any other emergency need deemed necessary. There is currently no dedicated funding for these services.