2hCity of South Miami
Police Department
INTER - OFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO: Mr. Roger Carlton
City Manager
FROM: Robert F. Richardson II
Chief of Police
DATE: February 1, 2010
SUBJECT: Tinted windows on police vehicles
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This memorandum is pursuant to a request to review and inspect all police vehicles
with tinted windows. A concern by a resident was brought forth in January 26`h
commission meeting during a public remarks inquiry; that the tints, on the police
patrol vehicles too are dark; which precludes the residents the ability to see who's
operating the vehicle.
After listening to this concern, I directed a thorough review of all police patrol
vehicles in the South Miami Police fleet with tinted windows and to check the
legality on the tints. In accordance to Florida State Statute, the entire fleet of
vehicles with tinted windows are legal, with the exceptions of K -9, undercover and
unmarked vehicles having them slightly darker due to the nature of their job duties.
Additionally, none of the vehicles' front windshields are any darker than the law
requires. None of the vehicles with tints on the front windshields exceeded six inches
from the top of the glass as required by law with exceptions of the vehicles
mentioned.
The purpose of the tinted windows could depend on the capacity that the officer(s)
are working under. Tinted windows by all accounts, adds a safety issue to the
officers as well as being convert in their law enforcement duties.
END OF MEMORANDUM