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Watercraft for Law Enforcement

NCJ Number
132323
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 39 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1991) Pages: 52-56
Author(s)
T Yates
Date Published
1991
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Police departments in some States have recognized that marine divisions are an important part of law enforcement.
Abstract
Police agencies use watercraft in law enforcement that range in size from small rowboats to 30-foot cruisers equipped with lightbars, spotlights, sirens, rescue equipment, and radar. Watercraft are used to enforce speed limits, spot intoxicated operators, and conduct safety inspections and search and rescue operations. There are at least eight manufacturers of marine equipment that supply products to such customers as the U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and Customs Service and to foreign law enforcement agencies and military services. Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki offer waterborne motorcycles. These highly maneuverable watercraft can get into tight, shallow areas and can easily overtake speeding boats. Watercraft offered by Boston Whaler, Penn Yan Boats, Sea Ark Marine, Zodiac, and Kawasaki for law enforcement purposes are described.