SPECIAL OPERATIONS BUREAU
HOSTAGE NEGOTIATIONS TEAM The Hostage Negotiations Team is comprised of personnel who have been trained to peacefully resolve crisis situations through the use of negotiation/communication strategies. Successful negotiations result in the peaceful surrender of the subject in crisis, with minimal to no injury to hostages, officers, or the subject. The team works in coordination with the SWAT Team to accomplish this goal. POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE (PAL) The Miramar Police Athletic League’s (PAL) mission is to build character and self-esteem in the community’s youth. PAL has been developing youth leaders through community partnerships that foster effective mentoring, tutoring and coaching since 1989. Some of the ways in which this is accomplished is through team building and athletic opportunities. In January-March, 250 children participated in the basketball League. The leagues pride themselves in being more than just athletics, but also an opportunity to offer positive physical and mental wellness activities for the city’s youth. In a time when so many kids were struggling in various ways, the PAL mentoring program was an ongoing success. This invaluable program boasts approximately 20 kids and mentors actively participating in virtual monthly meetings. The Miramar Police Department partnered with the Miramar Police Athletic League (PAL) to raise funds for PAL’s programs. The 2020 Charity Golf Tournament was a huge success, as more than $25,000 was raised to help families with limited ability to afford the costs related to youth sports. VICTIMS SERVICES UNIT In 2020, the Victim Services Unit served 1,483 victims, providing intervention and preventative services. Additionally, the unit raised awareness on crime 24
MIRAMAR POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT 2020
victimization in the community. This was accomplished through participation in programs such as Citizens’ Police Academy and county-wide task forces related to crime victimization. The unit engaged in various mentorship projects, as well as social media outreach related to National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, National Sexual Assault Awareness Month, National Child Abuse Prevention Month, and National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Also, the unit was awarded the Victims of Crime Act grant for fiscal year 2020-2021. Lastly, a student intern volunteered in the Victim Services Unit, providing 641 service hours to the City of Miramar for the year. BURGLARY TASK FORCE The Burglary Task Force is integral to the department’s mission because of the impact of this type of crime and how it affects the quality of life for businesses and individuals. Because of the agency’s commitment to a proactive Burglary Task Force, Miramar has seen a consistent decrease in burglary related crime. The teamwork and capacity for crossover among multiple units is just one of many attributes of the Miramar Police Department that allows this community to be safer and safer year after year. SWAT TEAM In all critical situations, the protection of human life is the Miramar Police Department’s top priority. Whenever possible, the department will attempt to resolve critical situations through communication and negotiation. However, the department recognizes that the protection of human life also requires operational development, readiness and ability to respond to critical situations accordingly. The mission of our SWAT Team is to provide a highly trained and skilled special weapons and tactical team as an additional resource for responding to and handling critical situations (i.e., barricaded subjects, hostage situations,
