HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-80-0843RESOLUTION NO. - 4 3
A RESOLUTION ALLOCATING R9,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND,
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND ACCOUNTS, PUBLIC SAFETY FUND, FOR
THE PROCUREMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF CERTAIN ITEMS OF
EQUIPMENT NECESSARY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A POLICE
HELICOPTER PROGRAM; THESE ITEMS BEING A SELF-
CONTAINED COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, PORTABLE ILLUMINATION
EQUIPMENT, AND DETACHABLE POLICE INSIGNIA SUITABLE FOR
HELICOPTER USE.
WHEREAS, the incidence of crime is a continuing serious problem in
our community today; and
WHEREAS, the Police Department must be equipped with the best
available technology to combat crime; and
WHEREAS, the use of helicopters by law enforcement agencies has
been shown to be an effective tool of policing in urban areas; and
WHERf_AS, the City of 'Ii ami has avai 1 ahle heal icopter time as a
result of Use Agreements with private helicopter companies; and
WHEREAS, certain itA,ns of portable communications and illumination
equipment and detachable police insignia are necessary
for
the
effective,
efficient, and safe utilization of said helicopter
time
by
the Police
Department; and
WHEREAS, such equipment must be purchased and maintained for the
first year at a cost of $9,000; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission established a Public Safety Fund in
the General Fund, Special Programs and Accounts, in the amount of
$2,000,000; and
WHEREAS, funds in the a,nount of $9,000 for the above mentioned
purpose are available from said Public Safety Fund;
ITENI NO. -
CITY COMMISSION
MEETING OF
N 0 V
R1h'.AEc'S; ............................
U
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF
MIAMI, FLORIDA:
Section 1. The amount of $9,000 is hereby allocated from the
General Fund, Special Proara!ns and Accounts, Public Safety Fund, to be used
by the Police Department: for the procurement and maintenance of certain
items of equipment necessary for the implementation of a Police Helicopter
Program; these items heing a self-contained communications unit, portable
illumination equipment, and detachable police insignia for helicopter use.
PASSED AND ADOPTED THIS 26 DAY OF NOVEMBER, 1980.
ATTEST:
Al_PH ONGIE,TITYTLFRK
BUDGETARY REVIEW:
C
MAN -OHM URANA, ACTING DIRECTOR
DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
LEGAL REVIEW:
RO ERT 77CLARK
ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY
MAURICE A. FERRE_
UR E A. ERR
M A Y O R
APPROVED AS TO FORM
AND CORRECTNESS:
GE-ODAE F. KNOX, R
CIT ATTORNEY
-2-
Richard Fosmoen
City Manager
Kenneth I. Harms
r Chief of Police
P. P
INTEROFFICE 'SEN9C`F A"JDt,-A
November 10, 1980
ADM 10- 4
Police Helicopter Proposal
Request for Funds
CO
G Jy
It is recommended that the
amount of $9,000 be allocated
for equipment needs in
-
Police Helicopters from the
•- -'
Public Safety Fund in the
•r
General Fund Special Program
iv r-
and Accounts per the attached
resolution.
_ The City of Miami, through Use Agreements with five (5)
private helicopter companies based on Watson Island, is
entitled to fifty (50) hours of free helicopter time
per month. Historically, the City has not used the
vast majority of this time. A program for use of this
time by the Police Department has been developed.
In order_ to properly implement this program, certain
items of portable equipment are needed. These include
a communications package, illumination equipment, and
detachable police insignia. The estimated costs of
these items and the first year of maintenance is $9,000.
It is requested that the City Commission allocate this
money from theaforementioned Public Safety Fund created
for Police Department use.
KIH:cw
CC: Law Department
Management and Budget
«(ZUr�,-�. -11 rE
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DOr
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►�g�-843
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HELICOPTER USE PROGRAM
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Problems
Can the City of Miami Police Departi:ient effectively
utilize the free helicopter service t.i;ne that is
available as a result of our Watson Island Use
Agre(--ments?
Facts:
(1) The City, by contractural agreement with five helicopter
firms, is entitled to fifty hours of free helicopter
time per month.
(2) Over the pa3t t�•:o years the City has used an average
of 3.4 hours per month (excluding the riots) of this
fifty hours. (See Annex A.)
(3) Police helicopter programs in other jurisdictions have
proved to be an offectiVe tool of law enforcement.
(4) The Miami Police Department currently has no helicopter
program of its own.
Assumptions:
(1) The Police Department can effectively use the heli-
copter time which is made available to the City.
(2) The proper use of this time by the Miami Police De-
partment would be a new and effective tool of law
enforcement for the Department.
(3) Special problems, such as insurance, equipment needs,
time schedules and F.A.A. regulations, can be resolved.
(See discussion below.)
Discussion:
Overview
The Police Department proposes that we be given 45 out
of 50 hours of flight time available. We would use
this time by dividing it into several blocks of flight
time ranging from 2.5 to 4 hours. A predetermined
lt� t [ �. r-., ^ schedule agreed upon in advance with each of the com-
' ��,� panies would permit creation of monthly assiQnTnents.
i ( See Annex B . )
„ During these flights, a Police Officer Observer,
equipped with the necessary communication equipment,
would perform routine police work. Special emphasis
would be placed on patroling areas which are inacces-
sible by cars (e.g. Sewer Beach) and areas where
Page 1 of 3
knnal r(.t:ivi f i.s ire r-( (z(rl:_11-1y r c 13rri1)q.
�'.ddi.ti(ulal I , 1.110 If' 1i('c?i>t=<2r .;r;(rl,l
t_yT.�,c s rn( i 1 (z-zt.1 whf re a I-)O1 I('.(' c)V('rV1('w IS
l�np(�r'i:�]]]t: (( ...1?'lpl( I�r 1 j i'('{ (�rS, r l i rLC ��irl:i, v( hrc�le
ho I;rc-1r..un I.Mrrld he to
est:lblish ,a '"c( 1.ir(j of police in t:he
comrluntty. (:"co i,nn(':r C.)
Iquipment ti(,e(is
i_ 2i t ':. i _ IL :7 ,ecl ... hiuh can
be moved From aircraft to aircraft. The pack.a(je ::ould
include a ',.7HF radio with the necessary aviation fre-
quency and intercom capabilities, a transponder and a
police radio. 0
Portable i11_urain.-iti_on uquiprr,t2nt is also needed if we
will be doing any night flying. This equipment would
have to plug into the aircraft power system. (Note:
Certain aircraft modifications would be necessary as
per F.,.A. regulations.)
Some type of i.Qlentifyinq insignia indicating that the
Police Department is using the helicopter is also de-
sirable. It would he necessary to solidly attach
these insignias to the helicopter. (See Annex D.)
Cos is
* Capital Outlay
Communications Equipment $7,000
Illumination Equipment 500
Identifying, ?lacarOs 300
$7, 800
* Maintenance Costs on above for 1 year- $1, 200
TOTAI, $9,000
Insurance costs are un1:notan at this time.
It is sucicested that this $9,000 be made available
from the $2 million Public Sa{ety Fund for. police use.
* NOTE: A1.1 dollar figures are maximum estimated costs.
Problems and Resolutions
Insurance problem: representative of the various com-
panies have said that their insurance carriers would
not cover them for police operations.
Resolution: Several alternatives have been identi-
fied and are currently being oxplored by Mr. Donald
Stewart. (See Annex F..)
Time schedulinproblems: A questions also arises as
g:
to whether or not all the invcl.ved cc-panies will pro-
vide the tirr.e as p,?r the Police Department's schedules.
Q; ,e 2 of 3 R' 80-8•13
6
Of
Posol 11 i (-,11: rn i f- i ) I t 3 i ,.ri i( :t e i,i)a t
Dade i irn-i 11fid Tf,pi (.,I]. CO, J� , 111 L
will jivl, 1:3 o it"'l
I y
be I i nq p r()b I ,.j i lit CrC:r:rn1--
F.A.A. : 'I'll, -re '11- !".-Io 11.1.-Jc '11:(2,"s, of
concorn with F.A.A.; the Fir!,- IC
and the sec(,n(l -,-jith flyiii-j .-iiihLn Tnt(,r-
ni-itional .7ti.jp()rt rc`,-,jj
sonnet. in(lic,ite f-hat both thr.si:! problems can be
overcome. the F.A.A. ,-jas very cooperative.
Alternatives
(1) Use of the Dade County Public Safety Dopartment heli-
copter on a contractural basis. Response from D.P.S.
indicates that, due to their commitments, this is not
presently possible.
(2) The City could purchase an all -terrain vehicle for
patroling certain inaccessible areas like Virginia Key.
(3) The City could purchase and fly their own helicopters.
Conclusion
Assuming resolution of the problems documented above
and obtaining the funding, the Police Department
can effectively utilize the free helicopter time
available to the City.
10/20/80
Planning & Inspections
I
Page 3 of 3
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TMPLEMENTATION PLAN -FOR HELICOPTE'R USE
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Attached
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at t•atsoh Tslandx
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changes their total.
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PORTI V are nee(led-
V11 �V I V5 , 'ro specific c traffic situations which .,`gh t cause
bO�tlelleC:}Ca j etc.
FC�LLOIN"
tI, SPECIAL SI:TUINTIQN
The first area of consideration was based upon the assumption that
for
the majority of our helicopter time would be used routine patrol.
"units in 'Cis units,
In mysur�`ey of various Operational and particular
several specific or special situation usages ,.ere also mentioned.
They include:
_
A. Surveillance
This factor was widely mentioned and has been SUCCe5Sfu11y
used by our Vice Units.
1. Surveillance of Criminal offenders".
2, For Narcotics Traffic.
I
3. Certain Vehicles.
I .D. UI11 f S
1. Aerial Photos
2, Assist in evidence searches (rooftops, etc.).
G. Special Evrnts
1. VIP Protection.
2, Major Events (ie.., Orange -Bowl Games, Parades,
demonstrations, etc.)
to
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l�l�i.�l(_:I�ir?(� �.f� r.�
heli.cor)Lor
WiHiai t t'AA
apprcvats
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is a :��,.r; '•:)(y
port.kto e(pitt)[
ent.
( 1) .-o need a pt:)ei ,O)le titdl.t for the
reason cited 'ibove and because tre will be utiligi,nq different
aircraft.
*Pt�l i:,�hl.e r..(�:: ntilllcat.if�n tjuipme;.nt package :;houl.d i.ncludet '
(a) A radio with FAA frequency to talk w/111liami Tnter-
national Airport.
(b) A transponder because most of the City falls within
MIA control area,
(c) A police radio.
(d) An intercom system (this can be hooked into the FA
radio) .
This package could be self --contained or have a 12/24 volt capacity -
to plug into the aircraft power source,
(2) Illumination Equipment. There are commercially available
portable lighting systems available. It is possible that an
effective and cheaper lighting system could be fabricated.
(3) Some Type of Identifying Insignia "police". Any type of
insignia would have to be solidly attached to the aircraft and we
then again may run into FAA problems.
10/20/80
Planning & Inspections
Page 1 of 1
The idea behind the program is to put a police ALL v1
a private helicopter for periods of two to four flours at a time.
to h l ic(I the observer would j�!'_ I"f0! lil r,-111y fLincL ions s llnl l<?r
During surveillal:ce,
to Dade County Police Iiel icapt-�'rs ;!-lch is routine i �1t rol , I t is
aerial pilotoyraphy, purilnet.er establi::l-l�c'"t '111d 1; •i i nt�nlnce.
•� se helicopters would be used in an}' type of
�.��d that these
riot anticipated �( , t., 71-T) .
special threat or r�_st- �n=e situat.i.ons (�
>a•;e have r,acle initial C011taC t.S \+'lt�l �E_c rc�l t7f i};(,� �� pr1V+?te }1C'll-
co per co panics. 'rhey have irlcai(::ated that their incur.?nTh me not
cover police operations of the nature described above. Three areas
of concern have been identified:
ost of Lepairing or replacing a downed helicopter.
1 - The ccs
2 - The iffy of cost for peopem
le or its on the 91-ound
that a helicopter might damage or injure.
3 - Medical cost and S•.orklr,an' s Corr,pensat ion for the civilian
pilot needed to fly the helicopter.
There are swc�ral options that we have in �icidressing
this
problem. They
_ - Contact the helicopter coinpariies to �1scort.:iin if addi`.io11a1
1
insur�:nce riders can be obt,3ined to cover them while flying
for the police Departs n%nt.
.-+• '.�111 �:c-�Si1:.�e the
iit�1(11t2(�iZ31 .1��F?1'C?L�rliit ('
2 - The cc:7-Ta ir`1_S _
1ns,tira..nce ccsts. ,L-
3 - The City will obtain a special POlis}' to cover the cc:'E
while t}1ey are flying for the Police Doll.irtment.
4 - The City will riF1sume the risk under self-insurance.
Other with
It is recuested that '}'ou a:�al i ne these o(t is tot 1 proposal to Me
suc,cstions you m=cilt have. ve. Ple+sse si:i�.':it a written
as to the nos feasible rlentionw end assilthe stancecinycan this rectter11 lwillrbe
problem. Four pro..pt attention
greatly appreciated.
,.FROM
:ITY ,�l ti-(lRlf,.1
i
INTER-C)FFICE i.iEMORArAnD --!-A
Richard Fosmoen
November 20, 1980
City Manager
Helicopter Services from Watson Island
Q
c-3
Carlos Garcia REFER Fr,<_Fs
Acting Director o
Finance Department •:._ �o ,;, ., •-
rV %-
;1R
It is recommended that the existing = '�
five helicopter companies provide the
flight time as may be needed by the
City of Miami Police Department and Ln
all other City Departments pursuant
to their existing agreements.
In 1953, the City of Miami explored the possibility of development of heliport
facilities on Watson Island after receiving requests from commercial airlines
for such operations.
In 1957-58, the city constructed heliport facilities on Watson Island. Included
was a small office building, landing lights, access roads, parking areas, and
landscaping, at a total cost of $20,000. Recognizing the temporary nature of the
heliport facilities on Watson Island, a small office building was provided for
the use of the various operators of helicopters.
Since this time frame various }ielicopter companies have operated out of this
facility. It %ra:; the Citv's intention chat the helicopter services would be
available and would be rrovided on a year round basis. The agreements with all
the helicopter services provide for 10 hours of helicopter flight time per month
in payment for use of the City facilities. Either party, the companies or the
City may terminate the agreement on 30 days written notice.
The City of I+.iarni, principally the Department of Publicity at that time, has never
required the use of helicopter fli(41it time approximating 10 hours per month per
service (excluding time furnished during the recent civil disturbances).
It is therefore the existing companies provide the scheduled
flight time for police services and other City Departments as required by their
existing agreement, (10 hours per month per service). Further, it is recommended
that the City pay the difference between the cost of -the operators normal
insurance premiums and any additional insurance premium which may be charged to
the operator as a result of the use of their aircraft for police operational
services.
Flight time should be credited on a hour for hour basis regardless of the size
of the aircraft required,
Failure on the part of the helicopter services to provide the flight time as
requested or scheduled will result in the termination of their agreements.
In the event the existing companies fail to provide the level of flight time
required or they choose to terminate their agreements, which in turn lowers
the total number of hours available to the City, it will then be recommended
that helicopter service from Watson Island be put out for public bid.
The City could then award an exclusive agreement to one company for the re-
quired City flight services for the use of the heliport facilities.
12
r
EXCLUSIVE HELICOPTER OPERATIONS FRO14 WATSON ISLAND
Advantages
• Reduction in friction now occurring between the five competitive companies
using the heliport.
• Reduction in City administrative time used to resolve problems and monitor
the five companies.
• Improvement in accountability, i.e. it will be e pier to determine
responsibility for complaints from users or other similaY problems.
• Improvement in safety through coordination of all flights through one
dispatcher.
• Monitoring flight time contributed to City will be simpler.
• Police Department would he able to make permanent installation of radio equip-
ment and flood lights in a limited number of helicopters thus reducing their
cost of operations.
Disadvantages
• Could reduce the number of flight hours available to the City
• Possible elimination of space for visiting helicopters that need temporary
landing spots
• No alternative short term use has been proposed for the land now being used
by the five companies: No long term use would be possible because of the
impending redevelopment of the island.