The police department’s Harbor Patrol team is stepping into the social media spotlight, offering the public a look at their daily operations along the Mississippi River. In a recent post on their official Facebook page, the Memphis Police Department shared an overview of their achievements and daily grind on the water, made visually accessible with footage showing the department's Moose Boat—a specialized vessel for river patrol—in action.
According to the Memphis Police Department's post, the Harbor Patrol unit has been busy, with nearly 90 calls for service under its belt this year alone. Their tasks have ranged from standard vessel checks, resulting in advisement of over 50 watercraft operators, to engaging in direct law enforcement activities—culminating in multiple felony and misdemeanor arrests. It's a multifaceted crew, adept not only at enforcing the law but also at throwing a lifeline to boaters in need, having towed or assisted several vessels. And when it comes to matters of higher stakes, the MPD's harbor guardians stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the U.S. Coast Guard in active investigations, ensuring that order on the river is maintained.
For those curious about their work, the MPD highlighted the involvement of drone operator Ken Heron and his team, who were taken out on the river to document the patrol's efforts. The resulting video walks viewers through a typical patrol, offering a unique vantage point on the Harbor Patrol's day-to-day functions and their impressive Moose Boat in operation.
In the social media post, the Memphis Police Department didn't miss the opportunity to underscore the Harbor Patrol's essential role within the community. "Harbor Patrol is a vital tool in our toolkit—helping keep Memphis Stronger and Safer!" the post proclaims with a nod to their undeniable significance. For residents and visitors alike of this river city, the Harbor Patrol serves as both protector and preserver of the waterways, carrying out duties that many might not even realize are happening just off the banks of their urban landscape.
