Body Worn Camera Expansion-Community Service Aides and Code Enforcement Officers

The Miramar Police Department is seeking $58,000 to fund costs associated with 29 body-worn cameras for uniformed civilians who serve as Community Service Aides and Code Enforcement Officers. We are requesting this funding as part of an effort to create an environment of transparency in our commitment to 21st century policing. The projected cost over three years is $131,687, exceeding the required 50% match.

Primary Activities
The Miramar Police Department is expanding the use of body-worn cameras as part of a comprehensive program to improve law enforcement interactions with the public. In 2019, the Miramar PD was awarded a Body-Worn Camera Pilot Implementation Program grant. As a result, we were able to provide cameras to 147 law enforcement officers and adopt a policy to govern the program. Based on the pilot program success, we recognize the need to ensure the same level of transparency to include our civilian employees who also deal with the public in a wide range of interactions and services. Activities will include training, evidence collection, policy updates, and service improvement.
 

Service Area and Program Beneficiaries

The Miramar Police Department serves a diverse and vibrant South Florida community of 141,000 residents. We constantly strive to provide the highest caliber public safety services possible and prioritize our citizens’ public safety needs above everything else. We have a long history of proactive community policing, and as a result, our community supports us and trusts us. Our citizen complaints are extremely low, and we pride ourselves in having a strong relationship with the community. In 2020, we had merely 6 Citizen Complaint Incidents in 64,602 calls for service.  Body-worn cameras act as an unbiased observer to provide real-time feedback about a citizen encounter. Data collected will be utilized to improve law enforcement training and dispel public concerns.

Products and Deliverables

This request aligns with the FY2021 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program’s purpose. The addition of civilian law enforcement providers will strengthen accountability, prevent avoidable confrontations, reduce complaints, identify training opportunities, enhance performance, and improve evidence documentation. Originally, we partnered with the Regional Body-Worn Camera Group, Broward County State Attorney’s Office, local politicians, our police union, and other stakeholders to craft a policy to govern the program. This policy was easily and quickly approved by the BWC TTA representative. We will continue partnerships with our community stakeholders, staff, city leadership and residents; update our policy; and continue working with the BWC TTA representative to ensure successful implementation of this dynamic program.