Mayor Meiner (then Commissioner Meiner) placed a referral to the Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC) on the March 27, 2023 City Commission Meeting agenda to discuss the feasibility of the City establishing a crime laboratory to test suspected controlled substances impounded by the Police Department.

A subsequent Resolution was placed on the January 31, 2024 City Commission Agenda authorizing a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Miami-Dade County providing for the City's reimbursement to the County for costs associated with the employment of two criminologist technicians designated to provide drug testing services for the benefit of the Miami Beach Police Department.

The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) has been pursuing the feasibility of establishing a Crime Laboratory for the purpose of processing marijuana and other illegal controlled substances.

This initiative, directed by then Commissioner, now Mayor Steven Meiner, aimed to enhance law enforcement capabilities, streamline drug related analysis and investigations, and finally, contribute to the overall enhancement of public safety in the City of Miami Beach.

A feasibility study was carried out with the following scope:

1. Objectives of the proposed crime laboratory
2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance
3. Infrastructure requirements, costs and equipment
4. Assess the staffing requirements, including skilled forensic analysts, technicians, and support staff. Determine the necessary training and qualifications for personnel
5. Budgetary Considerations - Develop a comprehensive budget outlining both initial setup costs and ongoing operational expenses
6. Technology Integration for accurate and efficient drug analysis
7.  Collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies (Miami Dade Police Department and Florida Department of Law Enforcement)

A feasibility study is a crucial step in understanding the viability and implications of establishing a crime laboratory dedicated to processing marijuana and other drugs. During this process, the Department was also considering alternative solutions that could achieve similar results.

As a result of several meetings with Stephanie Stoilof, Chief of the Forensics Division of the Miami Dade County Police Department, an idea developed to hire two Criminologist Technicians that would perform all the duties of drug analysis for the Miami Beach Police Department. The two Criminologist Technicians would essentially be employed by Miami Dade County, fall under the command of the Forensics Division and receive all the required training and equipment with the goal of working specifically on Miami Beach drug cases. The City of Miami Beach through a Resolution, would enter into an MOU to reimburse Miami Dade County for all costs related to the employment of the two Criminologist Technicians.

Provision of an initial base salary for two technicians plus benefits and other payroll-related expenses, in an amount not to exceed $100,000 per technician, subject to increases for payroll expenses in subsequent years.