Harbor Patrol Unit
The Harbor Patrol Unit provides specialized law enforcement presence on Norfolk’s waterways, ensuring safety, security, and compliance across the city’s extensive maritime environment. Officers assigned to this unit combine traditional policing skills with advanced maritime training to safeguard residents, visitors, and commercial activity.
Core Responsiblities
- Boating Safety & Enforcement
- Conducting vessel inspections, enforcing boating laws, and promoting safe navigation practices.
- Emergency Response
- Assisting in water rescues, responding to boating accidents, and supporting search-and-rescue operations.
- Maritime Security
- Protecting Norfolk’s ports, marinas, and waterfront infrastructure, including coordination with federal and regional partners.
- Environmental Protection
- Monitoring waterways for pollution, hazardous spills, and violations of environmental regulations.
- Community Outreach
- Educating boaters and the public on water safety through demonstrations, patrol visibility, and public engagement.
- Support Operations
- Assisting other units with waterborne access, dignitary escorts, and special event security along the waterfront.
Specialized Training
Harbor Patrol officers receive advanced instruction in seamanship, boat handling and navigation, low visibility dive operations, rescue operations, and maritime law enforcement, enabling them to operate patrol vessels effectively and respond to emergencies in challenging conditions.
Dive & Drone Capabilities
- Dive Certifications
- Officers maintain professional dive certifications, allowing them to conduct underwater searches, evidence recovery, and rescue operations with precision and safety.
- Drone Utilization
- The unit employs aerial drones to enhance search-and-recovery efforts, providing real-time aerial views of waterways, assisting in locating missing persons or vessels, and supporting environmental monitoring.