Miami River Quality Action Team
Annual Report 1998-1999
Enforcement
 PROBLEM: While a lack of agency
staffing to respond to emergencies (nights and weekends) is common
to all agencies, the problem is compounded by the varying abilities
of agencies and the limits or boundaries of their jurisdictions.
SOLUTION: Before disbanding, the Miami River Study Commission,
the forerunner of the Miami River Commission, dedicated funding
to the City of Miami Marine Patrol for overtime hours to be used
during night time and/or weekend hours along the entire navigable
length of the Miami River.
A total of $25,475 will be used by the City of Miami Marine
Patrol to provide enhanced River patrols, either by vessel and/or
vehicle, by a team of six officers working in two-person crews.
A minimum of 810 overtime hours, approximately 135 hours each
for the six-person team will fulfill the terms of the contract
administered by the South Florida Water Management District.
Hours of patrol vary between 8:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. A minimum
of 80 patrols covering surveillance and enforcement are specifically
required in the contract.
Miami River Special Enforcement Patrol Details began in April
of 1999, with data currently reported through the middle of June.
Among 143 vessels identified, other statistics so far reported
include the following (list is not inclusive of all activities):
- 3 Arrests (misdemeanors)
- 33 Boating Infractions
- 32 Safety Inspections
- 4 Boats Towed
- 3 Boats Assisted
- 1 Boat Impounded
- 11 Citizens Aided
- 83 Public & Business Contacts Made
The City of Miami Marine Patrol will keep an ongoing log of
daily activities until the terms of the contract are met.
 PROBLEM: Signage on the Miami River posting
enforcement requirements are faded, missing and/or out-of date.
Idle speed signs are missing; bridge signs need replacement;
key areas are devoid of signs; manatee signs are sometimes not
visible or are fewer in number than deemed appropriate; many
signs are unauthorized.
SOLUTION: Replacement and restoration of authorized signs.
The QAT received the cooperation of the Miami-Dade Police
Department to conduct a signage inventory patrol of the Miami
River along with the USCG Marine Safety Office. The MDPD is also
identifying what agency is responsible for which signs. In June
of 1999, the completed survey report was forwarded to the Florida
Inland Navigation District to request funding the renewal of
signs along the Miami River. All marine facilities on the River
post Manatee Awareness signs. The Miami River Marine Group provides
reminder notification to marine facilities to keep signs clear
and to remove superfluous signs from their waterfronts.
PROBLEM: Confusion among citizens and River businesses as
to which agency to contact to report problems and suspicious
activities.
SOLUTION: Better promotion of the Miami River Hotline.
Since April of 1998, Switchboard of Miami has been operating
the Miami River Hotline. However, a six-month delay in funding
and contract implementation meant that the hotline lacked a strong
marketing component after its initial introduction. When the
contract was finalized near the end of 1998, a renewed marketing
campaign generated an increase in phone call activity. Continued
marketing efforts are currently underway. (See Miami River Hotline
on page 2 of this report.) n
Report from U.S. Customs Service
PROBLEM: Illegal shipments of stolen vehicles and cargo
from the River to the Caribbean and Latin America as well as
the inbound smuggling of narcotics from coastal freighters and
fishing vessels calling on the River represent significant threats.
SOLUTION: U.S. Customs reports an enforcement preference
to expand special operations on the River with the multi-agency
approach. Beginning in 1997, representatives of 10 agencies held
planning and strategy meetings to multiply enforcement effects
through shared intelligence and instant resolution of jurisdictional
issues. Interagency meetings help to identify enforcement problems
and possible solutions particular to the Miami River. Encourage
River entities to provide information to U.S. Commission on Port
Safety & Security regarding Miami River needs.
Enforcement Results
- October 21, 1997 Miami River multi-agency sweeps led by the
U.S. Customs Service led to the arrest of 15 illegal aliens and
the seizure of 14 stolen vehicles.
- April 28, 1998 Seizure of 357 kgs. of cocaine concealed in
a hidden compartment of the M/V Merci Jesus. The vessel was seized
by federal agents.
- May 12, 1998 U.S. Customs apprehends 99 illegal aliens aboard
the M/V Rose Marie Express. Both the aliens and vessel were turned
over to U.S. Border Patrol.
- June 18, 1998 A mini-sweep by U.S. Customs and the Miami
Police Department resulted in the arrest of a local fugitive.
- June 20, 1998 An interdiction led by U.S. Customs-Mobile
Response Team resulted in the seizure of approximately 46 kgs
of cocaine and the M/V Sherida Express.
- July 2, 1998 An enforcement initiative led by U.S. Customs
resulted in the seizure of the M/V Lady Lucia and 232 kgs of
cocaine. One crew member was arrested.
- July 21, 1998 Enforcement initiative led by U.S. Customs,
the FBI Miami and DEA Ft. Lauderdale resulted in the seizure
of the M/V Nina N and 613 kgs of cocaine. One crew member arrested.
- March 17, 1999 Seizure of the M/V Lady Cristal as a result
of the detection of $1,332,545 in cash hidden on the vessel to
be illegally smuggled out of the U.S. in violation of federal
reporting requirements.
- May 27, 1999 An arrest and seizure of a vehicle on the Miami
River.
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