Exclusive Look at Urban Beach Week Security Measures

Sun, sand, music and heightened security pretty much sums up Memorial Day Weekend on South Beach.

The Miami Beach Police Department is currently preparing for the annual holiday weekend party, commonly referred to as Urban Beach Week, by beefing up security as much as possible.

“Prevention is key,” said Detective Vivian Hernandez.

Prevention takes a lot of planning, which started not long after last year’s festivities ended.

Cameras, both mobile and stationary, have been installed throughout the city. Ready to be deployed throughout the city of Miami Beach are a total of 62 light towers, twelve visual messaging boards and three watch towers.

Roughly 400 officers per shift from multiple agencies will pack the streets of Miami Beach.

In addition to extra bikes and ATVs, the Police Department has a new vehicle on loan referred to as an LTV.

CBS 4 News had the exclusive first look at this 140-thousand dollar light tactical all-terrain vehicle, similar to the ones used in the military.

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But instead of war zones overseas, cops will use it to protect the city of Miami Beach, as well as its residents and visitors.

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The goal is to avoid chaos, like the incident that occurred two years ago when officers shot and killed a man they claim was driving erratically on Collins Avenue, by preventing it.

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Police will use license plate readers on the causeways to quickly scan for stolen vehicles or owners with outstanding felony warrants.

In addition, a massive DUI checkpoint is planned for the MacArthur Causeway heading into the beach on Friday night.

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