LONG BEACH : Marine Patrol Given Power to Arrest Boaters
The City Council has granted Long Beach’s marine patrol officers authority to arrest boaters for criminal activities. They will not be permitted to carry firearms, however.
Currently the 11 patrol officers can cite boaters for infractions such as speeding or improper loading. But if they encounter a more serious crime such as boating under the influence of alcohol, the officers can only detain the suspect until police arrive, said Jim Rae, who heads the Long Beach Fire Department’s Marine Safety division.
The officers patrol the city’s waterways, marinas and channel entrances.
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