GULF SHORES, Ala. (WKRG) — There’s a new patrol unit in town, the Gulf Shores Police Department just launched a full-time marine unit, something they’ve never had before.
When someone’s in trouble on the water, seconds matter, and Officer Ian Wallace and Officer Tim Jones know the waters of Gulf Shores like the back of their hands.
“We’re patrolling the ICW here, Intercoastal Waterway, as well as the Bon Secour River and then we go out in the Gulf along our beachfront,” Officer Wallace said.
Before this in-water unit, the GSPD had to rely on the Orange Beach PD’s Marine Unit or the Coast Guard over at Dauphin Island to assist with water emergencies.
“It’s going to cut down on response time, whether it’s a medical emergency, vessel taking on water,” Officer Wallace said.
Growth is nothing new in Gulf Shores, new developments and construction are everywhere. This is bringing more boats, more people and more problems on the water for law enforcement.
“Ten years ago you didn’t have as many boats coming through here,” Officer Jones said.
“We want them to see us, see our presence, and let them know that if they need us, that we’re here to help them,” Officer Wallace said.
For now, they have one patrol boat staffed with two-full time officers, but that’s going to change quickly.
This is just the start of the department’s marine unit, in the next few weeks they’re getting a brand new 29-foot boat with more power to allow for quicker response times.
“With this new boat coming in, it’s going to cut our time in half, if not more than that,” Officer Jones added.
Within the next year, at least two more officers will be joining the team expanding the unit.
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