Marine Patrol Staffing

The City of Mercer Island has placed a priority on its marine patrol with full-time staffing during the boating season of May through September. This staffing includes a full-time Marine Patrol Sergeant and a Marine Patrol Officer. Additionally, a majority of the Mercer Island Police Officers are cross-trained in boating operations and enforcement (which enables the unit to have a 24-hour emergency response).

Key Benefits

• Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Professional response to all water-related emergencies.

Marine Law Enforcement Officers

All officers working in the marine unit have passed the state law enforcement academy and have worked at least two years in the patrol section before receiving specialized training in Marine Law Enforcement.

After applying, testing, and being selected for the marine unit, officers complete in-house training and then attend the Washington State Boating Officers Academy, where they receive specialized instruction in marine law enforcement. Upon graduating from the boating academy, officers return for additional in-house training before commencing active patrol work.

A few officers within the unit have received specialized training in the following areas:

• Boating safety education.
• Accident and fraud investigation.
• Boat-based water rescue.
• Dive rescue.
• Underwater crime scene investigation.