[Scan-DC] PGPD Marine Patrol Unit

[Alan Henney]

PRESS INFORMATION OFFICE
7600 Barlowe Road, Palmer Park, Maryland 20785

       April 24, 2008
For more information, contact Cpl. Diane Richardson

Press Release
National Harbor Opening Puts Spotlight on PGPD Marine Patrol Unit
Prince George’s County, Maryland…The Prince George’s County Police
Department’s Marine Patrol Unit was water bound last August but the
opening of National Harbor puts a spotlight on the Unit.  Marine
Patrol, which provides waterborne law enforcement services in and
around National Harbor, is operating and patrolling areas along the
Potomac River and portions of the Patuxent and Anacostia Rivers.

Major Kevin Putnam, Commander of the Special Operations Division which
oversees the Marine Unit, said along with patrolling National Harbor,
the Unit has other responsibilities, including protection of the new
Woodrow Wilson Bridge, accident investigations, drunken boat operating
enforcement, search and rescue, and enforcement of other maritime
laws.

The implementation of the Unit was accomplished with minimal impact to
the county’s budget. Lieutenant Ed Talik, Commander of the Special
Services Section, secured Federal and State grants to purchase boats
and equipment and currently has three Boston Whalers patrol boats– an
18’ and two 21’ footers. The boats are equipped with GPS Chart
plotters, radar, and sophisticated radio equipment that allows for
communications with all the surrounding agencies. While currently
docked at the Fort Washington Marina, plans call for the boats to and
docked at National Harbor once that facility is operational.

“We knew the opening of  National Harbor would bring attention to the
Unit, but it really is the culmination of years of research and
development under the direction of Lieutenant Talik,” said Putnam.

Officers assigned to the Marine Unit received extensive training from
the Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) who serve as the state’s
lead law enforcement agency regarding security on Maryland waterways.
Additionally, members work closely with Marine Units of the United
States Coast Guard, the Metropolitan Police Department, and Fairfax
County. The collaboration has resulted in a productive working
relationship.

Lieutenant Talik said, “We know how vital venues like National Harbor
and other commercial enterprises are to the county’s growth.
Development of a Marine Unit is an important addition to public safety
and our partnership with similar units is consistent with regional
cooperation in every aspect of law enforcement.”

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