POLICE BOAT
*
*
*
Take me back to the CLYDE BUILT page please.
*
*
Take me back to the INDEX page please.
Take me back
The unit will be launched in April 2003 in response to increases in traffic on the river and new developments along its banks.
The launch will provide high-profile policing of the river and along the coastline of Ayrshire and Argyll.
Police said today they hope to gather intelligence on criminal activity in the river area and work with other agencies in making the waterway safer.
The force has jurisdiction over a coastline of approximately 1700 miles and an area of sea of around 4860 square miles.
A boat has been leased from Clydeport and will be staffed by one police sergeant and seven specially trained constables.
Chief Constable Willie Rae said "There are significant plans to undertake redevelopment along the River Clyde, including proposals that would lead to increased river traffic.
In light of these developments the force considers it appropriate to re-assess the need for a marine policing unit to operate in the River Clyde Clyde estuary area."
"The highly visible reintroduction of marine policing should enable the force to assess its potential impact on the development of a port and coastal protection policy allied to the increased public reassurance and safety of communities within our force area.
The move was backed by the world's oldest life-saving body, the
Glasgow Humane Society founded in 1790.
George Parsonage, who rescues up to 50 people a year and helps police recover the bodies of dozens of drowning victims from the Clyde said he hoped it would cut deaths.
He said "More craft means more people there to help and hopefully the police will play a preventative role. There is a need for it and traffic is increasing on the river. I'll keep working as the Chief Constable says he wants the society to continue."
The force first provided a police presence on the River Clyde in 1938 but withdrew the service in the 1980's due to the introduction of the police helicopter.
It sold its flagship launch
Semper Vigilo ll in 1992.
*
