I would like to discuss the potential installation, implementation, and utilization of walk through and/or handheld metal detectors (collectively, “metal detectors”), at City Hall in order to enhance the safety and security for visitors and employees to City Hall.
At its July 26, 2023 meeting, the City Commission considered issues concerning the security and accessibility of City Hall. In adopting Resolution No. 2023-32708, the City Commission directed that: the general public should be provided access to the third-floor bridge connecting the City Hall parking garage and City Hall; visitors should no longer have to produce identification prior to entering City Hall; and the Administration should return to the City Commission with various options and security recommendations for City Hall. Moreover, at the July 26th meeting, the City Commission generally expressed support for the idea of installing and implementing metal detectors at City Hall. Additionally, the Miami Beach Police Department is also supportive of implementing metal detectors at City Hall. While our City Hall is and should properly remain open and accessible to all, we need to take into account safety concerns to the fullest extent possible under state law, which otherwise allows broad access to firearms and limits the options available to municipalities to protect themselves and their residents.
Accordingly, I would request that the City Administration, upon consideration of all relevant factors (including, but not limited to safety, security, cost, and effectiveness), provide the Mayor and City Commission with its recommendations regarding the various options to enhance security at City Hall, along with any specific issues or concerns relating to this initiative, so that my colleagues and I may discuss and take any appropriate action.