FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS STATEMENT SGT. ALEX BELLO, PRESIDENT FOP LODGE 8

Todays announcement of the suspension of Off-Duty Employment at nightclubs by
our newly appointed Police Chief is disheartening because it once again highlights
the fact that our City Leaders and their appointments are not in tune with the
delicate balance that is the City of Miami Beach. This action should alarm the
whole community, as this WILL affect the delivery of police service throughout the
City. Analyses by past administrations have shown officers at private venues act
as a force multiplier thereby reducing the strain of on duty services. These officers
act as a deterrent to any potential problems that may arise in addition to being
readily available to diffuse and act upon those that escalate to the point of needing
enforcement action.

Our department is currently investigating a homicide of a prominent chef at one of
our local nightlife establishments that has routinely refused to employ officers
despite repeated cries by the rank and file for the City to mandate off-duty at the
venue. This along with aggravated assaults, sexual batteries and robberies are the
types of crimes off-duty officers deter. Establishments employing additional
security staff is not the answer, as we know they do not have arrest powers and
can lead to violent confrontations between employees and patrons, this situation
played out not too long ago at another caf, and led to the arrest of multiple
security staff employees. World class tourists deserve to be protected by sworn law
enforcement officers who have the training, experience and statutory authority to
take action; not by establishment staff who then have to call 911 and detract from
residential area patrol officers.

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) has recently concluded an
assessment of the Miami Beach Police Department at a cost to the taxpayers of
$120,000.00. In it, there are recommendations regarding off-duty employment and
nightclubs. The FOP is more than willing to assist the Chief in understanding the
dynamics of the City and the manner in which public safety services are rendered
and how some of PERFs recommendations can be best implemented.

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President Alex Bello is available for sound at 786-586-7449