Ouachita Parish River Patrol
By: Brittney Johnson
Updated: August 30, 2009
Patrolling the Ouachita River just got a whole lot easier. Thanks to the sheriff's office newest crime-fighting aid--this boat.
Sheriffs Deputy Marc Mashaw said, "It's a complete law enforcement boat. concealed weapons cabin, tow bars. We have the ability with radar to see at night to monitor traffic."
Their new 80 thousand dollar boat has search and rescue functions and a radar that shows where other boats are. Most importantly, it gives them access to places where only boats can go. Deputies say thieves pull up alongside boats and steal what they can. Boat motors, inner tubes, jet skis, any visible items left on house boats or docks are at risk. Authorities say residents benefit from their regular marine patrols.
Mashaw said, "They're glad we're here. They want to be able to leave that inner tube or that little boat motor on their little boat dock without worrying about it missing or being stolen."
Although they're cracking down on theft, deputies say their main objective is to enforce water laws and keep the majority safe.
Mashaw said, "As long as people use their head a little bit they're not going to have a problem from the sheriff's office out here while they're trying to enjoy themselves and have a good day."
Sheriffs Deputy Marc Mashaw said, "It's a complete law enforcement boat. concealed weapons cabin, tow bars. We have the ability with radar to see at night to monitor traffic."
Their new 80 thousand dollar boat has search and rescue functions and a radar that shows where other boats are. Most importantly, it gives them access to places where only boats can go. Deputies say thieves pull up alongside boats and steal what they can. Boat motors, inner tubes, jet skis, any visible items left on house boats or docks are at risk. Authorities say residents benefit from their regular marine patrols.
Mashaw said, "They're glad we're here. They want to be able to leave that inner tube or that little boat motor on their little boat dock without worrying about it missing or being stolen."
Although they're cracking down on theft, deputies say their main objective is to enforce water laws and keep the majority safe.
Mashaw said, "As long as people use their head a little bit they're not going to have a problem from the sheriff's office out here while they're trying to enjoy themselves and have a good day."
