 Briefing Room |
 Operations Support |
The Fort Lauderdale Police Marine Unit was implemented around 1960. At that time, one sergeant and two officers were assigned to the unit. The patrol vessel was an eleven-foot dinghy and the unit’s headquarters was located at, what is known today, as the Coast Guard Auxiliary Station, 601 Sea Breeze Boulevard, North of the Bahia Mar Radisson Resort. During the early stages of development of the unit, the officers would have to wade out to their boats, as the harbor had not been dredged. Throughout the years, the Marine Unit assumed a variety of appearances. Some of the earlier larger patrol boats were equipped with inboard outboard propulsion, officers worked day shifts, then day and night shifts. At one time, the officers were removed from the operation of the Marine Unit and Community Service Aides replaced them.
Today, our Marine Unit is a fully functional operation. We have a facility on the water with dockage for our fleet as well as space for other jurisdictions. The unit is assigned a sergeant, twelve officers, and a Public Safety Aide. We provide service and ensure safety to the boating community seventeen hours a day, seven days a week. When necessary, our hours are adjusted to meet the needs of both the Department and community. Our fleet consists of 13 marked patrol boats ranging in size from 24’ to 28’ in length and 3 utility vessels suitable for deployment to land locked areas as well as undercover operations.
Officers assigned to the Marine Unit undergo a comprehensive 160-hour training program that focuses upon boating operations. In addition to boating skills, a series of written tests and practical operational skill examinations are administered before an officer is allowed to operate a vessel. As part of our duties on the water, we enforce waterway safety rules, respond to calls for service, investigate burglaries and larcenies, and work in conjunction with other entities involved with interdiction of illegal activities such as narcotics and refugees. When you consider we have in excess of 100 miles of navigable waterway which include the Atlantic Ocean, we patrol over two thirds of all the waterways in Broward County. Coupled with the fact that there are nearly 50,000 registered vessels in the Greater Fort Lauderdale Area, it is realistic to comment that our assignment becomes complex.
Additionally, since our climate ensures a steady influx of boaters throughout the year, and our City encompasses the Northern half of Port Everglades, the seaport attracts over two million passengers annually with the routine arrival and departure of cruise ships.
Relatively new in concept, but for all practical purposes an ongoing endeavor, our Marine Unit continues to expand its involvement in Community Policing tactics while securing our waterways. We attend Homeowner Association meetings when they relate to waterway issues and concerns, as education is part of our approach to safety and enforcement. Currently, we are developing a program which, when implemented, would serve as a waterway Crime Watch. In addition, since crime prevention is integral to community policing, we are focusing upon crime trends and will be addressing minor concerns before they become major issues. We also participate in the City’s Marine Advisory Board, whose efforts maintain the quality of our waterways.
The Marine Unit plays a vital role in the preparation and security of the various special events hosted annually by the City of Fort Lauderdale along the waterways. Such events include Fleet Week, the Winterfest Christmas Boat Parade, McDonalds Air and Sea Show, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and Dragon Boat Races.
We can be dispatched to calls for service via police dispatch and through the VHF radio system on Channel 16. We interact with other City departments as well as outside agencies such as the United States Coast Guard, United States Customs Service, Broward Sheriff’s Office, Hollywood Police Department, Wilton Manors Police Department, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Information is provided in response to inquiries about the complex responsibilities of our unit to various agencies that are considering the implementation of a Marine Unit.
Since the City of Fort Lauderdale Police Department promotes safety and well being on our waterways for the residents and visitors to the City through the Marine Unit, we are proud of our achievements and are recognized as a role model in Marine Law Enforcement.
If you desire further information, please contact Sergeant Andy Pallen, Fort Lauderdale Police Marine Unit, 1784 S.E. 15 Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316. Telephone: (954) 828-5441, e-mail AndyP@fortlauderdale.gov
Briefing Room |
Operations Support |