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 for any one or more of the following program areas: 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 including behavioral programs and crisis intervention teams.
The Department of Justice requires that applicant agencies accept certain Certifications and Assurances. These Certifications and Assurances include, but are not limited to the following three items which are summarized as follows: 1) No federal funds will be used to supplant local funds, but will 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 34 U.S.C. § 10153(a)(5).
As such, the purpose of this agenda item is to make information regarding the Fiscal Year 2021 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: www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-manager/grants-management. The website also provides an opportunity for public comment. This grant does not require matching funds, and a description of the proposed project is below.
3-D Imaging Device
The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD), strives to prevent crime, enhance public safety, and support victims of crimes. MBPD works to provide a response that ensures a high quality of life for residents, visitors, and tourists alike. The response requires 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.
When a crime or traffic crash occurs, it is essential for officers to collect and preserve the evidence. A 3-D imaging device would be able to document the evidence at crash and crime scenes in half the time that it would take with traditional methods. Without optimal technological devices, officers are at potential risk for longer periods of time, road closures may be extended, and the longer evidence is exposed to the elements, the potential for contamination becomes greater.
This equipment would allow crime scene analysts and investigators to document and preserve crash/crime scene evidence with speed, safety, and the accuracy needed for investigative and potential prosecution purposes. Additionally, it also provides a means to conduct safety planning by rapidly and accurately digitizing the details of any building, giving MBPD the necessary information to develop a safety plan for emergencies. Evidence-based prosecution may also be assisted through the provision of 3-D visuals and models which capture the sequence of events that led to a crime/crash.
The City intends to use Fiscal Year 2021 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds to purchase a 3-D Imaging Device and the City will also 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.
www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-manager/grants-management