Harbor Patrol
Capt. Joe Deuster
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Green Bay Police Department Harbor Patrol
The City of Green Bay continues to improve its shoreline along the Fox River and encourage citizens to spend time on the waterfront via land and water. Increased recreational boating traffic brings an increase of water related incidents such as boating accidents or boaters in distress. In fact, the Northeast Wisconsin DNR district leads the state in boating accidents. The Green Bay Police Harbor Patrol operates during the summer at peak boating times and during festivities such as Americafest, Tall Ships, and Bayfest.
Among many water related complaints we receive are "no wake" violations. Violations can cause damage to moored watercrafts, docks, and slip structures, and lead to the erosion of unprotected riverbank.The recommended response is to implement a municipal water safety patrol to establish a police presence and hopefully generate voluntary compliance with waterway regulations. Currently the lower Green Bay and the Fox River are covered by one-third of the law enforcement recommeded for this size area. In response, the department researched and developed a harbor patrol. Harbor Patrol cost items are reimbursable up to 75% by the DNR.
Boat patrol duties are assigned to police officers who have obtained special water training and boating safety classes. They are trained in law enforcement/boating violation procedures.
The Green Bay Police Harbor Patrol is proud to have assisted in numerous boating incidents including apprehension of intoxicated boaters, boating accidents, boaters in distress adrift, boaters sinking/taking on water, boaters involved in altercations at ramps/docks, search & rescues, and escorts. The Harbor Patrol is always readily available to respond to on water incidents throughout the year when there is no ice.
Our goal is to make the Fox River a fun and safe place for recreational boaters and encourage boaters to spend time on the Fox River in Green Bay.
Waterfront/Fox River related questions/inquiries can be directed to Harbor Patrol Captain Joe Deuster at joede@ci.green-bay.wi.us . I will respond to your concerns.
