C4H-Ref- FCWPC - Possible Addition Of Personal Watercrafts To Our PDs Fleet -g MIAMI BEACH
OFFICE OF THE MAYOH AND COMMISSION
MEMORANDUM
TO: Jimmy Morales, City Manager
Micky Steinberg, Commissioner
November 12,2014
SUBJECT: Referral to Finance and Citywide Projects Committee
Please place on the November 19th City Commission agenda the referral to the
Finance and Citywide Projects Committee of the following: a discussion regarding the
possible addition of personal water-crafts to our police department's fleet. As you can
see from the attached article, they may be of benefit to MBPD and possibly available for
use through a loaner program. Thank you!
lf you have any questions please do not hesitate to call our office.
tu]t&i\iiffiffie**{
Commissioner Micky Stei nberg
OFFICE OF MAYORAND COMMISSION
'1700 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Tel: 305-673-7103 / Fax: 305-673-7096 / www.miamibeachfl.qov
We are committed to providing excellent public seNice and safety to all who live, work and play in our vibrant, tropical, historic
community.
Agenda ltem
Date
FROM:
DATE:
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Print Story : 10 reasons a personal watercraft can work for your department - PoliceOne.c... Page 1 of 2
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Patrolling the Watenfl"ays
with Tom Burrell
1O reasons a personal watercraft can work for your depanment
While PWCS will never meet the needs of every department or every scenario, they are proven to be
effective as maritime patrol vessels
If you read my recent article concerning you will remember two important points.
First, that you should attempt to make your units as versatile as possible, and second, that you should attempt
to obtain the best equipment that you can afford. Well, I would like to offer one more tip: think smalll
No, I do not mean small in terms of missions or capability.
When I say small I am referring to watercraft size and price
tag. You may be able to accomplish both goals by adding
personal watercraft (PWCS) to you inventory. While many
departments fail to consider PWCS when equipping their
marine patrol units, many others have recognized their
versatility in much the same manner that they have
recognized Segways or bicycles as valuable tools for
patrolling crowded areas like malls. parks, and airports.
Advantages
While PWCS will never meet the needs of every department
or every scenario, they are proven to be effective as
maritime patrol vessels.
1, Their small size not only allows for quick transport to
remote locations, they can be towed with any vehicle
equipped with a tow hitch (no need to purchase o(pensive
SUVS or limited purpose 4 wheel drive trucks)
2. PWCS can often be launched at even the smallest of
ramps or even at a gently sloped natural shoreline
3. Their extreme speeds - some capable of speeds in
excess of 55 mph - make them ideal for quick initial
response to boating accidents, search and rescue missions,
or police response to island-based cabins or campgrounds
4, Departments with limited manpower can take advantage
of the fact that PWCS only require one officer for effective
operation (most larger patrol vessels may require both an
operator and boarding officer)
5. PWCS are generally easier to operate thus allowing for
their use by less experienced officers
6. Shallow dmft allows for access to areas otherwise unable to be patrolled
7. No exposed propeller means that there is a reduced chance of injury when operating in crowded areas
or when rescuing persons from the water
8. While many of today's models can cost as much as $12,000 this is often a fraction of the cost of
purchasing and equipping a full size law enforcement patrol vessel
9. Reduced fuel consumption and generally lower maintenance cost often result in additional cost savings
10. One last point on money: the Port Security Grant Prmram (PSGP), which had $288 Million in available
in FY 2010 is just one federal grant program through which your agency can get funding resources for
the purchase ofa PWC (check out PolicecrantsHelp.com for lots ofother resources)
Disadvantages
Just as no patrol vehicle or vessel is perfectly suited for every mission, PWCs also have some limitations.
. A lack of navigation lights limits their use to daylight operation. Smaller models can often lack the stability necessary to conduct safe and efFective one-on-one
interaction with boaters. Like motorcycles or bicycles, PWCS offer no shelter from extreme weather which often limits their use
during colder months or inclement conditions. Secondary vessels are often required to address the potential need to transpoft prisoners or extra
equipment. Despite their shallow draft, iet powered vessels are often limit€d in their ability to operate in areas of
heavy weeds or gravel (which can be sucked into the intake)
Cheap is Good, Free is Better
As with any aspect of law enforcement, cost is always an issue. While the initial cost of PWCS may be less than a
full size patrol vessel there is also another option available - the ability to obtain free loaner units. Through the
First Responder Loaner Program, sponsored by the Personal Watercraft Industry Association. manufacturers
often make PWG available to law enforcement agencies at no cost other than fuel and light maintenance
requirements. Furthermore. most of these programs allow for the replacement of their PWC fleet on a regular
schedule.
Ruceoxe@News
Related Article:
Rdatd @ntat s@nstd by:
-aGAMBER'E- JOHruSON ,
Any departrnst @n tailor a prcgEm which tak6 advantage of
the PWCS unique bendrts which make thm a r@l force
multiplhr for law enforcerent. (Image courtesy of New York
State Deparunent of Envircnmstal Consryation)
http ://www.policeone. corn/pcgint. asp?vid:247 3 697 tl/13120t4115
Print Story : 10 reasons a personal watercraft can work for your department - PoliceOne.c... Page2 of 2
Departments interested in participating in such a program should contact a local dealer or the manufacturer
directly if no local dealer is available. Speciflc application requirements vary by manufacturer but generally
include an official request on letterhead, a waiver releasing the dealer from any liability and an agreement that
the department will be responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Training Requirements
Anyone who has patrolled or boated American waters in the last 20 years knows that PWCS have at times been
subject to a less than favorable reputation. Although much of this is the result of generalized stereotyping, like
many reputations it is rooted in some degree of fact. Early models were often difficult for the inexperienced
operator to control, especially in tight quarters. Even as designs improved their lower purchase and operating
cost appealed to Rrst time buyers, many of whom were themselves inexperienced. This often resulted in PWCS
being involved in a statistically disproportionate number of accidents, especially collisions with other vessels and
Rxed objects.
As a result, many states now have mandatory education and licensing requirements speciflc to PWCS. These
courses vary in length and subject matter depending upon jurisdiction and may include a combination of
classroom and practical testing of basic skills. Not only will offlcers assigned to PWC duty be required to
complete this trainjng, they will also need to obtain advanced instruction in the specific capabilities of the craft
obtained by your department and the mission they are to be assigned.
Putting Your PWC Into Action
The biggest question concerning PWCS is how they will be utilized. As previously sbted, one of the obvious
limitations involving the use of PWCS by law enforcement is their limited passenger capacity. Although many
modern PWCS are capable of carrying three persons, their limited shbility and close quarters often require they
be manned by single officers. Therefore, there are continued concerns regarding their use as primary contact
units.
Likewise, there are many missions for which the PWC is perfectly suited, even more so than a traditional
watercraft. As stated earlier, the jet drive of a PWC makes it ideal for use in close proximity to swimmers or
persons needing rescue. Furthermore their compact size and light weight means that they are not only quick to
be deployed but can also access areas which would be otherwise inaccessible. An additional advanbge for
traditional police departmenE looking to add a watercraft to their inventory it the fact that most patrol vehicle,
even sedans. can be outfitted with a hitch capable of towing a single PWC and trailer, thus reducing the need to
purchase specialized four wheel drive vehicles.
Each department will need to evaluate their specific requirements and the abilities of their officers when
determining exactly how the units will be deployed. Some may find that PWCS are best used in a covert scouting
manner, with contact being made by more traditional patrol vessels. Others may choose to utilize the PWC as a
primary patrol and contact vessel, especially in smaller harbors or marinas. Regardless of which method in which
the PWC is deployed it is likely that additional support units will be required, especially for the purpose of
transporting suspects.
Either way, the any department can tailor a program which takes advantage of the PWC'S unique benefits which
make them a real force multiplier for law enforcement.
About the author
Tom Burrdl began his career in maritime enforcement in 1992 when he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, following his
service in the USMC Reserues during Desert Storm. He would see seryice in Key West, (Fla.) Norfolk, Va., and New York
City, both afloat and ashore with duties which ranged from drug and alien interdiction to recreational boating safety.
During this time he would serye in a variety of positions including boarding team member, boarding officer, boat crew,
coxsilain, and master hdmsman. Achievements include Coxswain "C" School Honor Graduate, numerous Humanitarian
Seryice awards and involvement in several high profile joint op€rations - including the security for IFK International
Airport during the United Nations 50th Annive6ary.
In 1997 he left the USCG to pursue a position with the Pennsylvania Flsh & Boat Commission as a Wateruays
Conservation Officer, a position which would include posting in both the rurdl north centBl region, and later in suburban
Philadelphia. In 2002 he was promoted to patrol superyisor for the South Central Region and received the PA DUI
Association "Top Gun" Award for his efforts in apprehending boaters who were under the jnfluence of alcohol or
controlled substance. Tom is curently a Captain assigned to Headquarters. He is also an instructor in the areas of
fireams, hand gun retention, handcuffing, OC spray, First Aid & CPR, and Bcting Under the Influence
Detection/Apprehension.
In 2006 Tom received his Associatet Degree in Criminal Justice fmm Harisburg Community College and in 2010 a
Bachelo/s Degree from Penn State University. In 2007 and 2008 he was granted the opportunity to address the
Northeast Association of Criminal Justice Sciences, during thdr annual conference at Roger William's University in Bristol
(R.I.), concerning the unique search and seizure authority of conseruation omcers. When not working or going to school
Tom enjoys hunting and fishing near his home in south central Pennsylvania and spending time with his wife Amy,
daughters Paige and Johanna, and son Ben.
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