Commissioner Samuelian placed a referral to the Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee (NQLC) on the October 13, 2021 City Commission Meeting agenda to discuss the manner and potential mechanism through which residents can obtain the case status of cases pending prosecution by the State Attorney’s Office. The item was co-sponsored by Commissioner Meiner who continued as the item's sole sponsor in July 2022. 

The item was heard at the May 17, 2022 Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) meeting and deferred pending a Commission Resolution to the County which was approved by the City Commission at their June 22, 2022 Commission Meeting.

To provide residents with information on how to access the status of criminal offenses prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office through the county court system, the Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) in collaboration with the Office of Marketing & Communications and the Office of the City Attorney, has incorporated a dedicated section with multiple links related to arrests, cases, and court proceedings. The link can be accessed directly on the City website under the Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) webpage via the “Services” tab (www.miamibeachfl.gov/yourmbpd/services//). By expanding the “Criminal Court Hearings” heading, residents are provided with direct links and detailed directions on accessing information on court hearings and cases occurring in the City of Miami Beach. A snapshot of the information provided on the webpage is included in this item.

The City of Miami Beach and its Police Department acknowledge the importance of prosecuting crimes committed within city limits assertively and in a timely manner. Resident access to the status of these cases pending prosecution within the State Attorney’s Office only further supports community participation in the City’s efforts to combat recidivism and crime throughout the City.