The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program 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 and to neighborhood or community-based organizations.
As such, the purpose of this agenda item is to make information regarding the Fiscal Year 2022 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: PUBLIC NOTICE - Fiscal Year 2022 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program | City of Miami Beach (miamibeachfl.gov) The website also provides an opportunity for comment. The proposed use of these funds is for the following:
Battery Packs for Optimal Surveillance Camera Coverage
The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD), with 415 officers and 92 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 partnerships and the strategic deployment of advanced technological resources.
Supported by evidence-based data, the Administration 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 is that some of the current surveillance cameras rely on electrical power to function. As a result, they are only active 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. The City purchased 10 surveillance camera battery packs previously with Year 2020 JAG funding which proved beneficial. However, there are still areas in critical locations throughout the City with cameras that are not operated with battery packs. The City is therefore requesting JAG funding to purchase another batch of this much needed equipment. With these new battery packs, cameras in additional locations throughout the City will provide optimal 24-hour coverage.
The City intends to use Fiscal Year 2022 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant funds to purchase CCTV surveillance camera battery packs. The City’s allocation is $66,666 and matching funds are not required for this grant.