BHA Safety Recap: Community Briefing with Miami Police Department
Addressing Public Safety in the Wake of Recent Tragedy
The Brickell Homeowners Association (BHA) hosted a critical public safety meeting with the City of Miami Police Department following the tragic events at the Icon complex, where a 17-year-old lost his life. The meeting, which featured Commander Valdes and other police officials, focused on lessons learned, immediate safety improvements, and future plans to enhance security in high-rise communities.
The full recording of the meeting will be available on the BHA YouTube channel for those who could not attend live.
Key Topics Discussed:
1. Safety Awareness and Best Practices
Commander Valdes emphasized the importance of situational awareness and shared actionable tips:
Always lock doors, including front doors and balcony entrances.
Do not allow unknown individuals to follow you into the building.
When in doubt, call 911. It is acceptable to report someone who appears out of place or makes you feel unsafe. The commander offered a simple guideline: “If your heart rate goes up, that’s your signal to call.”
Building staff should be trained to recognize and report unauthorized individuals. In the case of the Icon incident, a call was made for medical assistance, but police were not directed that the individual was trespassing—missing a critical opportunity for intervention.
2. Delivery and Access Control Challenges
The discussion also highlighted the vulnerability of access points used for deliveries.
Unauthorized individuals can often gain entry during routine deliveries.
Valuables left just inside apartment doors, particularly when doors are left unlocked, are frequently targeted by thieves.
3. New Police Initiative: Vertical Policing Program
The City of Miami Police Department is rolling out a Vertical Policing Program, modeled after strategies used in other major cities.
The initiative aims to increase police visibility and responsiveness within high-rise buildings and multi-residential properties.
Further details will be shared with the community in the coming weeks.
Final Message to Residents:
“If you see something, say something.” Staying alert and taking action, even when something feels minor, can make all the difference.
The BHA remains committed to working closely with law enforcement, building staff, and residents to strengthen safety protocols and improve coordination. We thank the City of Miami Police Department for their transparency and leadership during this important discussion.
For updates and the full meeting recording, please visit the BHA YouTube channel.