Top: Mayor Manny Diaz explains the benefits of the federal funds allotted to Miami Police to upgrade their photo lab as Sr. E/A Delrish Moss, Deputy Chief Frank Fernandez, Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Assistant Chief Thomas Cannon, Major Manuel Orosa, and Assistant Chief Adam Burden stand in support of the new funding. Bottom: Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and Police Chief John Timoney tour the construction site of the future College of Policing. Photos: Jorge R. Perez/City of Miami.

(Miami, FL) Miami Mayor Manny Diaz and Miami Police Chief John Timoney joined Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen in announcing $400,000 in funding for the Miami Police Department’s Photo Lab Upgrades Project. Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen was able to secure the funds for this project in the Fiscal Year 2009 appropriations bill.

“We thank our Florida Congressional Delegation, particularly Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, for their support in securing this funding,” said Mayor Diaz. “These funds will help us implement the latest technology to assist in more effective crime-fighting, as well as save tax-payers money.”

The City of Miami Police Department Photo Lab Upgrades Project will upgrade and digitize the City's police department photo lab. Funds will be used to incorporate digital cameras, memory card readers and a digital photographic laboratory system which will replace the antiquated film technology that is currently in use. Funding for photo lab upgrades will facilitate the investigative and prosecutorial efforts of the law enforcement community in the City of Miami, with national crime fighting implications that extend beyond Southern Florida in circumstances when fugitives flee the City to avoid prosecution.

“I am delighted to assist Mayor Manny Diaz, the City of Miami Commission, and Police Chief John Timoney in their efforts to update the City of Miami’s criminal investigation equipment,” said Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen. “By working together, we will ensure that the men and women of the Miami Police Department have the tools they need to bring criminals to justice. I look forward to continuing our partnership in the months and years to come.”