NCJ Number
228829
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 36 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2009 Pages: 26,28-30,32,33
Date Published
September 2009
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article presents an overview of law enforcement marine patrol.
Abstract
There are unique aspects to working on the water in a law enforcement capacity requiring specific and appropriate training and equipment. The main objective and goal of Marine units is to keep waterways safe. There are several existing marine patrols across the United States that continue to provide an invaluable resource, not only during disasters, but on a daily basis. The Missouri State Water Patrol (MSWP) was originally created in 1959 patrolling today over 272,770 acres of lakes, 5,500 miles of shorelines, 519 miles of the Mississippi River, and 533 miles of the Missouri River. The U.S. Coast Guard has the authority to board, inspect, search, seize, and examine any vessel anywhere. Unlike the MSWP and the U.S. Coast Guard, the Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) exists to serve law enforcement marine units. OSMB funds local agencies' equipment and training and offers a 2-week marine law enforcement training. Law enforcement marine patrols are an invaluable asset, striving to keep water areas safe.