Boston Police Harbor Patrol – Boston, MA

Boston Police Harbor Patrol Unit

Maritime Law Enforcement

The Boston Police Harbor Patrol Unit, also known as the Marine Unit, is a specialized division of the Boston Police Department responsible for safety and security across Boston Harbor’s 48 square miles of waterways 🌊. Based at Terminal Street in the Seaport District, this unit enforces maritime laws, conducts search and rescue operations, and ensures the safety of recreational boaters and commercial shipping traffic. As the oldest police department in the nation, the BPD established its harbor presence in 1853 to police the busy port.

• Dive Team: A highly trained underwater recovery unit capable of performing search and rescue missions in all weather conditions.
• Port Security: Works in conjunction with the US Coast Guard and Massport to protect critical infrastructure and LNG tankers entering the port.
• Law Enforcement: Investigates boating accidents, enforces no-wake zones, and addresses criminal activity on the harbor islands.
• Community Safety: Provides safety escorts for large events and assists stranded boaters.

Operational Readiness

The Harbor Patrol operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, utilizing a fleet of specialized vessels equipped with advanced navigation and side-scan sonar technology. The unit plays a vital role in homeland security, monitoring the waterfront for suspicious activity. While the base is a restricted police facility 🛡️ not open for general public tours, officers are frequently seen patrolling the inner and outer harbor, serving as a visible deterrent and a source of assistance.