Duties for Port Police Officers include the safety and security of all passenger, cargo, and vessel operations at the Port of Los Angeles, requiring considerable public and community contact and cooperation.
Officers are assigned to the Port of Los Angeles (City of Los Angeles Harbor Department) and undergo basic police academy training followed by field training with a field training officer, and may be assigned to patrol by vehicle or boat.
Boat patrols include the enforcement of laws regulating vessel traffic, pollution investigations, handling of navigational hazards, inspections of docks, wharves, marinas, and all Port-controlled waterways.
Officers may also independently initiate actions designed to respond to long-term or continuing criminal or safety problems, and respond to individual criminal activity.
Whether patrolling by land, sea, air, or even underwater, policing the harbor is definitely an exciting job!
Day-to-Day Duties and Possible Assignments
Officers receive general law enforcement and regulatory assignments designed to promote a safe port. These day-to-day duties typically include:
Patrolling the Port’s 43 miles of waterfront by boat, helicopter, automobile, and bicycle.
Monitoring vessel berthings to ensure safe docking.
Issuing hazardous cargo and dangerous-goods permits.
Inspecting vessels to guard against drug smuggling and pollution violations.
Enforcing local, state, and federal laws.
Providing special training and general assistance to customer security operations.
