An elite group of Harbor Police Department officers spend time underwater, sometimes, working in darkness, searching – for a gun, a knife or a body.

This 20-member cadre of officers comprise the Port of San Diego’s Harbor Police Department dive team, one of only two law enforcement dive squads in the county.

The special squad and its fellow police officers – 130 in all – are the front-line protectors of the 22-square-mile San Diego Bay and the surrounding land. They are ready for duty 24 hours a day, prepared to respond to any emergency.

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The dive team’s responsibilities include search-and-rescue, recovery of evidence such as guns and explosives, arresting people suspected of crimes, providing security sweeps around cargo and cruise ship terminals and other potential targets, and conducting anti-narcotic and anti-terrorist operations.

“This team is a unique regional asset that adds a new dimension to policing in the 21st century," said Harbor Police Chief John Bolduc. “The Harbor Police Dive Team works diligently to prepare for underwater threats from criminals, terrorism, and even unseen hazards to global shipping and commerce.”

When police divers are summoned, their 60 pounds of dive equipment is ready in their patrol cars. The gear includes regulators, weights, computers, underwater digital cameras, bags for holding bodies, in-water holsters and belts and a face mask that costs $1,800 because of its high-tech communication features.

Other specialized gear includes hand-held sonar devices and an $80,000 remote operated vehicle that is deployed for deep-water searches and security sweeps. In addition, the equipment includes a $50,000 underwater computer.

The dive team is among the department’s specialty units that include investigations, K-9 narcotics and explosives, and marine firefighting.

Harbor Police Prepared to Respond

The department’s partnership with local, state and federal agencies came into play in August 2012. Six members of the dive team assisted in a 50-person, multi-agency effort to recover the body of a man who jumped into the El Capitan Reservoir in the East County and was unable to return to his boat.

Sgt. Brad Hizer, Corporals Jonathan George and Kai Morris, Officers Shawn Wooddy, Ramon Colon and Brad Wiebke searched for the man throughout the day, first using sonar scans. Because they were unable to obtain accurate readings due to large boulders, crevasses, reeds and other obstructions on the reservoir floor, they switched to visual search.

After several hours, divers from another agency located the man. Harbor Police officers were assigned to dive to a depth of roughly 52 feet and bring the body to the surface.

There have been other notable searches. Divers assisted the Sheriff’s Department in the 2010 search for missing Poway teenager Chelsea King, and they also assisted the U.S. Coast Guard in May in the recovery of the bodies of three fishermen in Mexican waters off the Coronado Islands.

Wooddy, a police officer for the past eight years and a dive team member for five years, said visibility is among the major challenges for a diver. Because of the murky water, vision is limited to only a foot or two, and sometimes a matter of inches.

 “You can sink your arm up to your shoulder in different parts of the bay,” he said. “That brings up a dust storm and you can’t see. There’s zero visibility.”

Wooddy remembers the day he responded to back-to-back calls. He was working the search for a large cache of ammunition when he received a call that a man had jumped into the bay in Coronado and never surfaced.

Anatomy of a Search

Hours earlier, he headed to Embarcadero Marina Park South, where a man dressed in a camouflage uniform reportedly walked onto a pier and tossed what appeared to be a belt with ammunition into the bay.

Wooddy and Morris considered several factors before beginning their search, including where the witnesses said the ammunition was thrown, the bay current, water temperature, and the amount of sediment.

They conducted a tended line search, with Wooddy going in the water and Morris tending the line from the pier. The line is how they talk to each other.

Wooddy submerged about 25 feet and began searching at one end of the pier.

“All I can see is the line,” Wooddy said. “The tender pulls the line to signal. Two pulls means to change direction.”

If Wooddy pulls the line once, that means OK.

“If I pull twice, it means more line,” he said. “Three times - I found the object, and four times I need help.”

The cache of ammunition was discovered on the third pass. There were two large belts, each containing about 25 to 30 rounds of 25-millimeter ammunition, which the officer said was similar to anti-aircraft ammunition.

The radio call about the bay jumper came just as the ammunition was brought to the surface.

Wooddy quickly responded, searching underneath the large pleasure craft. The search area was expanded, with Officers Sara Madvay and Morris eventually locating the body about 50 yards from the vessel. The Medical Examiner’s Office concluded the man was intoxicated and drowned.

Harbor Police a Regional Resource

The Port’s partnerships with various local, state and federal agencies underscore the Harbor Police Department’s regional importance.

Since the terrorists’ attacks on September 11, 2001, divers have assisted the U.S. Military, conducting counter-terrorism missions. Divers and other Harbor Police Department personnel also work with the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy, the federal Department of Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, local law enforcement agencies and others.

The department’s dive team was the first in the United States to partner with the Navy and its explosive ordnance disposal team.

Law enforcement agencies often turn to the department for dive training. The department also trains its own.

For example, a four-day session was held in July 2012 for five new Harbor Police Department divers. Besides classroom work, divers learned how to search for evidence, recover bodies and hunt for explosives.

For the explosives search at the USS Midway Museum, trainees used ropes and conducted visual searches, because an explosive may have a switch that could trigger detonation.

Often, when visibility is limited, divers will search mostly by feel. With the touch of their fingertips, they check for scour marks, tracks or objects that are sharp or appear out of place.

"Preparation is the key to combating the emerging threats to our Port and our nation,” Bolduc said.

To underscore the police department’s emphasis in combating such threats, the Port has received more than $33.6 million in federal grants from the Department of Homeland Security. Funding has paid for security improvements, communications upgrades and strengthening infrastructure.

A number of grants paid for the purchase of specialized equipment, including high-speed Harbor Police vessels, cameras, security improvements at the cargo and cruise ship terminals and a fiber optic communications network that will eventually circle San Diego Bay.

“The technology is evolving as the threats change,” dive Sergeant Brad Hizer said. “In the future, we will continue to keep up with the technology to respond to any emerging threat.”

About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is the fourth largest of the 11 ports in California. It was created by the state legislature in 1962. Since then, it has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in public improvements in its five member cities – Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego.

The port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 18 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of more than 600 tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.

The Port of San Diego is an economic engine, an environmental steward of San Diego Bay and the surrounding tidelands, and a provider of community services and public safety.

The day-to-day operations of the Port of San Diego's Harbor Police Department can change in a heartbeat.

Harbor Police officers patrol on both water and land – around the clock – servicing the Port's five member cities: San Diego, Imperial Beach, National City, Coronado, and Chula Vista.

"Harbor Police officers have a very diverse mission, and are a unique regional asset." said Harbor Police Chief John A. Bolduc. "Our officers patrol in vessels, they patrol in squad cars and they patrol on foot at San Diego International Airport."

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The department's jurisdiction also includes two maritime cargo terminals (Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal and National City Marine Terminal), two cruise ship terminals, and the San Diego International Airport.

"Every Day is Different"

Corporal Magda Fernandez has been on the beat for 12 years. Her shift can span from days to overnight hours – and take her from issuing a parking ticket to fighting a vessel fire.

"Every day is different," Fernandez said. "There's no such thing as routine for us."

On average, an officer on patrol in a car covers about 100 miles a day.

"I go out in vehicles and enforce all laws pertaining to the Port of San Diego: penal codes, the vehicle codes and statutory codes," said Fernandez. "But we're not any typical police department. I can be in a patrol car, and a fire breaks out. That means I have to change into my firefighting gear and get assigned to a boat to assist in firefighting."

The Harbor Police Department is the only law enforcement agency in San Diego County that dually trains its members as police officers and marine firefighters.

Harbor Police Department vessels, the Firestorm 36, patrol San Diego Bay, similar to the way officers patrol on land. These vessels are staffed 24 hours a day, in all types of weather, and are able to fight fires both on land and on the water.

"All of our officers are trained as marine firefighters," said Officer Christopher Scheil, who is a firefighting instructor in the department. "The switching is part of the training. Firefighters who work for the fire department are trained to go from uniform to turnout gear, in one minute. Ours are trained to do it in about two-three minutes, because we have to get out of our law enforcement gear, secure our weapons, and put on our fire gear."

The Port of San Diego's Harbor Police K-9 team is one of the only federally-certified explosives and narcotics detection units in San Diego County. For that reason, they can be dispatched anywhere in the county.

Protecting the Port

The Port of San Diego is the fourth largest port in the state of California. At any moment, there can be a cruise ship in port, or a cargo ship offloading goods at either the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal or the National City Marine Terminal.

"When it comes to the marine terminals, due to the nature of the business and access to cargo, it makes the (terminals) vulnerable," said Fernandez. "We are always on alert to make sure everything is running smoothly."

Whether on patrol – either by car or offshore in a vessel – officers are trained to be vigilant.

"Part of law enforcement is being able to recognize something that is out of place – the only way to do that is to simply be out there and cruise the bay in our police vessels," said Scheil.

The Port of San Diego is also one of only 17 strategic ports in the United States. Its maritime terminals provide the infrastructure and services necessary to support military deployment activities, which can range from getting vehicles and equipment where it needs to go, to shipping household goods to servicemen and their families.

"We have a high concentration of military located right here in San Diego Bay," said Bolduc. "Therefore, integrating law enforcement and security - at the state, federal, and local level - is a key component to our job here at Harbor Police."

"One day you might be patrolling at the airport dealing with thousands of passengers. The next day you might be on a vessel handling rescues, handling fires or you might be in a car responding to accidents and other emergencies," said Bolduc. "It's a rapidly changing environment that's attractive to law-enforcement applicants because of the variety of jobs that we have here at Harbor Police."

About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is the fourth largest of the 11 ports in California. It was created by the state legislature in 1962. Since then, it has invested millions of dollars in public improvements in its five member cities – Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego.

The port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 18 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of more than 600 tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.

The Port of San Diego is an economic engine, an environmental steward of San Diego Bay and the surrounding tidelands, and a provider of community services and public safety.

The Port of San Diego's Harbor Police Department was recently awarded a grant from the San Diego County Law Enforcement Foundation to purchase five additional emergency locator beacons to assist officers in emergency and/or rescue operations.

The Foundation, a non-profit corporation that provides financial support to county-wide law enforcement agencies, awarded the Harbor Police Department a sum of $1,260.

"We're very thankful for the grant for the life saving beacons," said Harbor Police Chief John A. Bolduc. "The beacons will be instrumental in protecting our officers as they're out there serving and protecting the public on the water."

The emergency locator beacons will be used by officers on vessel patrol and special operations in the water and are in addition to those purchased through the San Diego County Law Enforcement Foundation's 2011 Life Saving Equipment Grant.

"If an officer were to fall into the water, or have their vessel become incapacitated and they'd have to abandon ship, this beacon would help rescuers home in on the stranded officer," said Bolduc.

Over the past eight years, the Harbor Police have been awarded over $22,500 in grant awards from the San Diego County Law Enforcement Foundation, not including this grant.

Past grants have been used to purchase Automatic External Defibrillators, which are devices that automatically diagnose potential cardiac risks, portable emergency rescue tools, diver's life rafts, sprinkler door wedges and emergency breathing support system devices, hands free LED flashlights, and emergency locator beacons.

The Harbor Police Department is the law enforcement arm of the Port of San Diego. With more than 130 sworn officers, it provides public safety and marine firefighting services throughout San Diego Bay and the Port of San Diego's five member cities: Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego.

Officers patrol San Diego International Airport under contract with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. The department works closely with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and terrorism task forces to ensure the security of the Port and tidelands.

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About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is the fourth largest of the 11 ports in California. It was created by the state legislature in 1962. Since then, it has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in public improvements in its five member cities – Chula Vista,Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego.

The port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 18 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of hundreds of tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.

The Port of San Diego is an economic engine, an environmental steward of San Diego Bay and the surrounding tidelands, and a provider of community services and public safety.

Seven Harbor Police Officers, a San Diego Police Officer and a United States Navy Chief Petty Officer were presented with lifesaving awards and commendations at the November 13, 2012 Board of Port Commissioners meeting. The awards were in recognition of lifesaving actions during three separate incidents that occurred in August and September 2012.

Assistant Chief of Harbor Police Mark Stainbrook presented certificates of commendation to Harbor Police Officers Sam Davis, David Zacchili, Daniel Giese, and Kevin Seelicke for their actions during a fire on September 30 at a naval housing complex near North Harbor Drive.

September 30, 2012, incident summary:

At about 6 a.m. that morning, the officers were returning to Harbor Police Headquarters on North Harbor Drive after the end of their shifts when they saw smoke coming from the naval housing area. After realizing that flames were coming from the back of a home, they immediately alerted the residents and neighbors and were able to safely evacuate them. Using fire extinguishers and water, they kept the flames at bay until City of San Diego firefighters arrived to take over. Because of the officers' quick action, there were no deaths or injuries and fire damage was limited to an exterior garage and a fence.

Lifesaving awards were presented to Corporals David Marshall and Joseph Sharp for saving the life of a man who fell into San Diego Bay on August 18, 2012.

August 18, 2012, incident summary:

That evening, while on vessel patrol in the bay, Corporals Marshall and Sharp responded to a radio call about a man struggling to stay afloat near Anthony's Restaurant in the North Embarcadero area. After spotting the man, Corporal Marshall jumped into the water and performed a swim rescue. Corporal Sharp helped pull the man into the Harbor Police vessel.

Corporal Marshall evaluated the man, who was suffering from hypothermia and nearly unconscious. He attended to him while Corporal Sharp steered the vessel to the dock at Anthony's Restaurant. There they were met by paramedics from the San Diego Fire Department, who transported the man to UCSD Medical Center.

Lifesaving awards were also awarded to Officer Andres Mendoza, Navy Chief Petty Officer Joshua Erickson and San Diego Police Officer Chris Harrison, for helping to save the life of a woman who was found unconscious in San Diego Bay on September 16, 2012. Additionally, certificates of commendation were presented to Harbor Police Officers Raul Munoz and David Zacchilli, for their assistance in the incident.

September 16, 2012, incident summary:

In the early morning hours of September 16, Officer Mendoza responded to a call about a woman floating in San Diego Bay. She was first spotted by a fisherman, who alerted Joshua Charles Erickson, an off-duty Navy Chief Petty Officer, who was walking in the area. Erickson jumped into the water and was able to reach the woman. He called out to Officer Mendoza, who jumped into the bay and pulled them both to the Broadway Pier dock. Officer Harrison was at the dock and helped pull all of them out of the water.

At the Broadway Pier dock, Officers Harrison and Mendoza administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on the woman. Harbor Police Officers Munoz and Zacchilli arrived at the dock and loaded the woman into their Harbor Police vessel. Officers Harrison and Mendoza continued CPR as the vessel made its way to the dock at Anthony's Restaurant, which is easier to access for emergency response units. On the way to the dock, the woman regained consciousness and was able to breathe. San Diego Fire Department paramedics met the vessel at the dock and transported the woman to UCSD Medical Center for treatment.

Several officials from the San Diego Police Department and the United States Navy were in attendance to witness the awards presentation. Following the presentation, the award recipients had their photo taken with Lou Smith, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners and Wayne Darbeau, the Port's President and CEO.

"You can teach skills, but you can't teach courage," said Chairman Smith of the award recipients. "God bless all of you. If it weren't for your acts of courage, we wouldn't have these folks alive."

The San Diego Harbor Police is the law enforcement arm of the Port of San Diego. The department provides law enforcement, marine fire-fighting services, airport services, public safety and Homeland Security throughout the Port tidelands and San Diego Bay. Harbor Police Officers also patrol San Diego International Airport under contract with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is the fourth largest of the 11 ports in California. It was created by the state legislature in 1962. Since then, it has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in public improvements in its five member cities – Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego.

The port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 18 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of hundreds of tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.

The Port of San Diego is an economic engine, an environmental steward of San Diego Bay and the surrounding tidelands, and a provider of community services and public safety

In an effort to strengthen its security role for the Port of San Diego, the Harbor Police Department has formed a new training partnership with its fellow law enforcement officers at the Port of Los Angeles.

Harbor Police Chief John Bolduc signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Chief of the Port of Los Angeles Port Police Department, Ronald J. Boyd, on Friday, April 5. The signing ceremony was held at the Harbor Police Department's Shelter Island substation, 1401 Shelter Island Drive in San Diego. Officers from the Harbor Police, the Port of L.A., the Port of Long Beach, and the Coast Guard, were all on hand at the ceremony.

The Port of Los Angeles, in partnership with the State of California Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has developed the country's first Maritime Training Course, known as the Regional Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center. It was specifically designed to train state and local law enforcement personnel.

"We want the best maritime training with the best instructors -- from federal agents, police officers and deputies -- and this partnership makes that possible," said Chief Bolduc. "We learn from them and they learn from us."

Through the new agreement, the agencies will work cooperatively to:

• Conduct mutual, federal, state and local maritime law enforcement training
• Share resources including classrooms, training vessels, and equipment
• Partner in developing homeland security training strategies for America's ports

The Harbor Police will serve as experts in the field of marine firefighting tactics. The Harbor Police Department is the only law enforcement agency in San Diego County that dually-trains its members as police officers and marine firefighters. In order to become a Harbor Police officer, 120 hours at the department's in-house Marine Firefighting Academy is required in addition to police academy training.

Harbor Police have unique training needs, as the Port of San Diego is one of only 17 strategic ports in the United States.

"We have a high concentration of military located right here in San Diego Bay," said Bolduc. "Therefore, integrating law enforcement and security is a key component to our job here at Harbor Police."

The Port of San Diego's maritime terminals provide the infrastructure and services necessary to support military deployment activities, which can range from getting vehicles and equipment where it needs to go, to shipping household goods to servicemen and their families.

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About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is the fourth largest of the 11 ports in California. It was created by the state legislature in 1962. Since then, it has invested millions of dollars in public improvements in its five member cities – Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego.

The port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 18 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of more than 600 tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.

The Port of San Diego is an economic engine, an environmental steward of San Diego Bay and the surrounding tidelands, and a provider of community services and public safety.

Boaters visiting San Diego can now reserve a slip even before dropping anchor and setting foot on land. The San Diego Harbor Police Department has launched an online service as a convenience for recreational boaters and visitors to San Diego Bay. Previously, the only ways to request a slip were to initially dock and reserve in-person or to place a call, while availability was first-come, first served.

• Boating slip reservations service

The new website allows boaters to see details about all Port-managed anchorages in the bay, check for availability up to two weeks in advance, and pay for a slip reservation using a credit card. Once confirmed, boaters can dock their vessel. For customers who don't have internet access, a self-service reservations kiosk is available at the southwest end of Shelter Island (map). A complete list of San Diego Bay anchorages is available in the Boating Information section of the Port's website.

About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is the fourth largest of the 11 ports in California. It was created by the state legislature in 1962. Since then, it has invested millions of dollars in public improvements in its five member cities – Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego.

The port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 18 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of more than 600 tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.

The Port of San Diego is an economic engine, an environmental steward of San Diego Bay and the surrounding tidelands, and a provider of community services and public safety.

Detective Michael Dye has been named the Port of San Diego's 2013 Harbor Police Officer of the Year, earning the department's highest honor for his role in several prominent cases.

Detective Dye had an extremely productive year. He helped apprehend individuals in hotel room burglaries and thefts at the San Diego International Airport. His investigations resulted in convictions and the return of several thousands of dollars' worth of property.

Dye was also instrumental in helping federal prosecutors convict two suspects in a human trafficking ring, which led to the freeing of an underage female.

"Michael Dye has distinguished himself from among many talented men and women who serve in the Harbor Police Department," said Harbor Police Chief John Bolduc. "This well-deserved honor speaks to Detective Dye's diligence and competence in his field."

Dye has been a San Diego Harbor Police Officer for seven years. His contributions include auto and boat patrol and work at the airport. Since September 2010, Detective Dye has been assigned to the Investigations Unit serving as a background investigator, crisis negotiator, weapons training unit instructor, and terrorism liaison officer.

Detective Dye was formally recognized at the at the 22nd Annual San Diego Police Officer's Association "Peace Officer of the Year" Award Ceremony on April 19, 2013.

About the Harbor Police
The San Diego Harbor Police is the law enforcement arm of the Port of San Diego. The department provides law enforcement, marine fire-fighting services, airport services, public safety and Homeland Security throughout the Port tidelands and San Diego Bay. Harbor Police Officers also patrol San Diego International Airport under contract with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

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About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is the fourth largest of the 11 ports in California. It was created by the state legislature in 1962. Since then, it has invested millions of dollars in public improvements in its five member cities – Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego.

The port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 20 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of more than 600 tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.

The Port of San Diego is an economic engine, an environmental steward of San Diego Bay and the surrounding tidelands, and a provider of community services and public safety.

Detective Michael Dye has been named the Port of San Diego's 2013 Harbor Police Officer of the Year, earning the department's highest honor for his role in several prominent cases.

Detective Dye had an extremely productive year. He helped apprehend individuals in hotel room burglaries and thefts at the San Diego International Airport. His investigations resulted in convictions and the return of several thousands of dollars' worth of property.

Dye was also instrumental in helping federal prosecutors convict two suspects in a human trafficking ring, which led to the freeing of an underage female.

"Michael Dye has distinguished himself from among many talented men and women who serve in the Harbor Police Department," said Harbor Police Chief John Bolduc. "This well-deserved honor speaks to Detective Dye's diligence and competence in his field."

Dye has been a San Diego Harbor Police Officer for seven years. His contributions include auto and boat patrol and work at the airport. Since September 2010, Detective Dye has been assigned to the Investigations Unit serving as a background investigator, crisis negotiator, weapons training unit instructor, and terrorism liaison officer.

Detective Dye was formally recognized at the at the 22nd Annual San Diego Police Officer's Association "Peace Officer of the Year" Award Ceremony on April 19, 2013.

About the Harbor Police
The San Diego Harbor Police is the law enforcement arm of the Port of San Diego. The department provides law enforcement, marine fire-fighting services, airport services, public safety and Homeland Security throughout the Port tidelands and San Diego Bay. Harbor Police Officers also patrol San Diego International Airport under contract with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

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About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is the fourth largest of the 11 ports in California. It was created by the state legislature in 1962. Since then, it has invested millions of dollars in public improvements in its five member cities – Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego.

The port oversees two maritime cargo terminals, two cruise ship terminals, 20 public parks, the Harbor Police Department and the leases of more than 600 tenant and sub tenant businesses around San Diego Bay.

The Port of San Diego is an economic engine, an environmental steward of San Diego Bay and the surrounding tidelands, and a provider of community services and public safety.

Harbor Police Officer Cynthia Markley has been named the Port of San Diego’s 2014 Harbor Police Officer of the Year, earning the department's highest honor for her work as a patrol officer, peer support leader, and crisis intervention officer.

“Officer Cynthia Markley is an outstanding representative of the Harbor Police Department. Her care, compassion, and overall competence are demonstrated on a daily basis as she interacts with the public,” said Acting Chief of Police Mark Stainbrook. "She goes out of her way to care for the people she serves, and the officers and staff that she serves with."

A Harbor Police Officer for 28 years, Markley is described by colleagues as a highly dedicated Harbor Police Officer with “courage, selflessness, integrity, and a strong dedication to public service.”

With empathy and skill, Officer Markley has assisted distraught families during tragic, and at times fatal, accidents.

She has also been honored for her work as a peer support officer, and was selected as the State of California 2013 “Peer Supporter of the Year” in September 2013 by the California Peer Support Association. Officer Markley has consoled and supported District employees, tenants, and visitors involved in critical incidents or tragic events.

She also serves as the Harbor Police Officers Association’s protocol officer.

Officer Markley was named the Port’s Employee of the Third Quarter 2013. She was lauded for her community outreach efforts, including her resourcefulness while working on the North Embarcadero Crime Prevention project, where she brought together the Harbor Police Department, tenants, and member city agencies to incorporate more public safety design principles in the development of the North Embarcadero.

On her own time, Officer Markley volunteers with the Chula Vista Adversity Support Team.

Officer Markley was formally recognized as Harbor Police Officer of the Year at the 23rd Annual San Diego Police Officer’s Association “Peace Officer of the Year” Award Ceremony on April 11, 2014.

About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is a unified district encompassing five member cities surrounding San Diego Bay. A public agency, the Port is charged by the State of California with developing the tidelands and commercial business as steward of the public-trust tidelands along 34 miles of San Diego Bay. We share the waterfront with the Navy, which oversees 17 miles of San Diego Bay.

We operate under the Public Trust Doctrine, which specifies that these waterways and waterfronts are primarily reserved for water-dependent uses such as fishing, cargo activity, bay tours and recreational access such as hotels and restaurants; as well as environmental and natural-habitat preservation.

We have guided the development of this prime waterfront property with a carefully selected portfolio of world-class commercial real estate, maritime and public uses. Our 16 hotels, 25 marinas, numerous restaurants, tours and museum attractions operate side-by-side with a working waterfront of boatyards, sportfishing landings and marine cargo terminals. We also maintain 20 public parks as amenities that attract visitors and enhance the value of our waterfront.

A new book showcasing the San Diego Harbor Police Department's history was released on November 17, 2014.

Author Michael P. Rich spent a year curating photographs and stories from personal archives of early officers for "Images of America, San Diego Harbor Police."

The book features photographs that chronicle the department's humble beginnings in the 1930s, its transition into the San Diego Unified Port District in 1962 and its growth into the police force of today.

Rich, a Harbor Police sergeant who has been on the force since 1986, decided to pursue the project after seeing a need to document the department's past and the important role it played in the history of San Diego Bay.

He gathered stories, mementos and photographs with the help of the San Diego Maritime Museum, the San Diego Historic Society, the Port of San Diego and family members of prior Harbor Police Officers.

The book can be purchased on the Arcadia Publishing website or Amazon.

The book is part of the "Images of America Series," which celebrates the history of neighborhoods, towns, cities and other agencies throughout the United States. Using archival photographs, each title presents the distinctive stories from the past that shape the character of the community today.

About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is a unified district encompassing five member cities surrounding San Diego Bay. A public agency, the Port is charged by the State of California with developing the tidelands and commercial business as steward of the public-trust tidelands along 34 miles of San Diego Bay. We share the waterfront with the Navy, which oversees 17 miles of San Diego Bay.

We operate under the Public Trust Doctrine, which specifies that these waterways and waterfronts are primarily reserved for water-dependent uses such as fishing, cargo activity, bay tours and recreational access such as hotels and restaurants; as well as environmental and natural-habitat preservation.

We have guided the development of this prime waterfront property with a carefully selected portfolio of world-class commercial real estate, maritime and public uses. Our 16 hotels, 25 marinas, numerous restaurants, tours and museum attractions operate side-by-side with a working waterfront of boatyards, sportfishing landings and marine cargo terminals. We also maintain 20 public parks as amenities that attract visitors and enhance the value of our waterfront.

The Port of San Diego will consider the expansion of its homelessness outreach with two programs after the initial success of efforts to help people living on the streets.

The Port has partnered with the Alpha Project since January 2014 to conduct interviews and assess the homeless population on the Port's waterfront, known as the tidelands. The Alpha Project staff acts as case workers who guide people who are homeless to available services in the region.

From January 1, 2014 to August 31, 2014, people living along the waterfront were contacted 943 times. Alpha Project staff provided nearly half of them with offers for water, blankets, placement at a shelter or other services. There were 138 men and 40 women who agreed to shelter placement during that time period.

The Board of Port Commissioners heard an update on the outreach efforts at its regular meeting on October 14, 2014.

"The Port is addressing the condition of homelessness from a compassionate and humanistic perspective," said Bob Nelson, Chairman of the Board. "We don't believe in shuttling people struggling with homelessness from one place to another, but rather want to respectfully offer services to help them get the support they need."

Port staff is researching whether to expand the Port's participation in a program led by the Downtown San Diego Partnership to install "donation stations," similar in appearance to parking meters. The program, Donation Stations/Make Change Count, is intended to help discourage panhandling and raise funds for programs. In the past two years, the Port has installed four of the donation stations on the waterfront, where people can redirect money they may have given to panhandlers to support homeless outreach projects.

In addition, Port staff is researching whether to participate in another DSDP program, Work Your Way Home. This innovative program is designed to reunite homeless individuals in Downtown with family back at home to help end the cycle of homelessness. Since the inception of the program, more than 380 individuals have been reunited with loved ones who welcome their return.

Staff is looking at the costs and feasibility of both programs and will make a recommendation to the Board of Port Commissioners at a future date.

About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is a unified district encompassing five member cities surrounding San Diego Bay. A public agency, the Port is charged by the State of California with developing the tidelands and commercial business as steward of the public-trust tidelands along 34 miles of San Diego Bay. We share the waterfront with the Navy, which oversees 17 miles of San Diego Bay.

We operate under the Public Trust Doctrine, which specifies that these waterways and waterfronts are primarily reserved for water-dependent uses such as fishing, cargo activity, bay tours and recreational access such as hotels and restaurants; as well as environmental and natural-habitat preservation.

We have guided the development of this prime waterfront property with a carefully selected portfolio of world-class commercial real estate, maritime and public uses. Our 16 hotels, 25 marinas, numerous restaurants, tours and museum attractions operate side-by-side with a working waterfront of boatyards, sportfishing landings and marine cargo terminals. We also maintain 20 public parks as amenities that attract visitors and enhance the value of our waterfront.

The Harbor Police Department has obtained a new tactical trainer, a regional resource to assist San Diego County law enforcement agencies in preparing for maritime fire and public safety scenarios.

The tactical trainer, located on a barge off the National City Marine Terminal, simulates a shipboard environment. The $380,000 trainer, majority-funded by a federal Port Security Grant, is a tri-level vessel equipped with two remotely controlled burn chambers fitted with a propane-based live fire system. It enables realistic training scenarios in which fire fighters board the vessel and climb down to the "engine" compartment to fight fires.

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On Monday, December 1, 2014, the Harbor Police Department invited officials and media for a special demonstration of the tactical trainer's capabilities. Speakers at the event included Chairman Bob Nelson; U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jonathan S. Spaner, commander of Sector San Diego and San Diego Captain of the Port; Port of San Diego Acting CEO John Bolduc; Harbor Police Department Acting Chief of Police Mark Stainbrook and Harbor Police Sgt. Todd Rakos. During two demonstrations, teams of Harbor Police Officers arrived in boats to practice fire fighting and hostage scenarios on board the trainer.

"The Port of San Diego's Harbor Police Department plays an essential role in public safety on San Diego Bay, and that's why our officers are cross-trained as marine firefighters," said Port Chairman Bob Nelson. "Our sworn men and women need the best possible training to prepare for life-and-death situations in the real world. By using this specially designed tactical trainer, law enforcement and fire agencies throughout San Diego County will have the opportunity to improve their skills, making everyone safer."

"The Harbor Police Department's tactical trainer is a valuable resource for our collaborative efforts to ensure maritime safety, security, and environmental stewardship in San Diego," said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Jonathan S. Spaner. "San Diego is a Strategic Port which supports the United States military as well as significant economic activities involving cargo and tourism. Marine firefighting and other tactical capabilities are essential to the preparedness and resilience of our port."

"Our Harbor Police Officers put their lives on the line every day to keep San Diego Bay safe, and that's why they need the best training possible," said Acting Chief of Police Mark Stainbrook. "This tactical trainer simulates the conditions onboard a ship or boat and allows our officers to actually fight a fire in a controlled environment, giving them a realistic experience that translates into effectiveness when the worst happens."

In 2013, the Port's Harbor Police responded to numerous boat-fire calls, of which seven were "active" fires. In one dramatic example, on October 6, 2013, an electrical fire broke out aboard the research vessel "Dorado Discovery," a 321-foot British-flagged ship that was moored at Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. While no one was injured, the fire response entailed cooperation from numerous agencies including Harbor Police, the San Diego Fire Department, the National City Fire Department, the Coronado Fire Department, and hazardous materials crews, as well as the U.S. Coast Guard.

About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is a unified district encompassing five member cities surrounding San Diego Bay. A public agency, the Port is charged by the State of California with developing the tidelands and commercial business as steward of the public-trust tidelands along 34 miles of San Diego Bay. We share the waterfront with the Navy, which oversees 17 miles of San Diego Bay.

We operate under the Public Trust Doctrine, which specifies that these waterways and waterfronts are primarily reserved for water-dependent uses such as fishing, cargo activity, bay tours and recreational access such as hotels and restaurants; as well as environmental and natural-habitat preservation.

We have guided the development of this prime waterfront property with a carefully selected portfolio of world-class commercial real estate, maritime and public uses. Our 16 hotels, 25 marinas, numerous restaurants, tours and museum attractions operate side-by-side with a working waterfront of boatyards, sportfishing landings and marine cargo terminals. We also maintain 20 public parks as amenities that attract visitors and enhance the value of our waterfront.

The Board of Port Commissioners has approved a resolution accepting a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Grant for the Harbor Police Department's Canine Explosives Detection Team Program.

The grant, in the amount of $1,262,500, was officially accepted at the December 9, 2014 Board of Port Commissioners meeting. It will allow funding to continue for the program which provides explosives detection services at San Diego International Airport and Port of San Diego tideland areas. Funding will cover the period of January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2019.

Consisting of five Harbor Police officers who are partnered with five explosives-sniffing canines, the Harbor Police Department's Canine Explosives Detection Team is the largest canine explosives detection unit in San Diego County.

The team assists primarily at San Diego International Airport, working closely with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority and the Transportation Security Administration to provide safety for air travelers. In addition, the team is available to respond to incidents throughout San Diego County through a mutual aid agreement.

"The Port of San Diego is grateful to the Transportation Security Administration for continuing to fund this very important program," said Mark Stainbrook, Acting Chief of the Harbor Police. "The grant supports the Harbor Police Department's Canine Explosives Detection Team's aviation and homeland security missions, thereby promoting a safe and secure environment at the airport and Port of San Diego areas."

The Harbor Police Department's canine team was first formed in 1997 after the San Diego County Sheriff's Department withdrew from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Explosives Detection Program because of increased costs. Funding became available in 1997 to expand the canine team program, and the Port entered into an agreement with the FAA to participate. In 2008, the TSA became the new administrator of the program, and the Port signed a second cooperative agreement with the agency.

About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is a unified district encompassing five member cities surrounding San Diego Bay. A public agency, the Port is charged by the State of California with developing the tidelands and commercial business as steward of the public-trust tidelands along 34 miles of San Diego Bay. We share the waterfront with the Navy, which oversees 17 miles of San Diego Bay.

We operate under the Public Trust Doctrine, which specifies that these waterways and waterfronts are primarily reserved for water-dependent uses such as fishing, cargo activity, bay tours and recreational access such as hotels and restaurants; as well as environmental and natural-habitat preservation.

We have guided the development of this prime waterfront property with a carefully selected portfolio of world-class commercial real estate, maritime and public uses. Our 16 hotels, 25 marinas, numerous restaurants, tours and museum attractions operate side-by-side with a working waterfront of boatyards, sportfishing landings and marine cargo terminals. We also maintain 20 public parks as amenities that attract visitors and enhance the value of our waterfront.

The Port of San Diego welcomed Admiral Paul Zukunft, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, to its administrative offices on February 12, 2015. The Commandant was in town to participate in the 2015 Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association /U.S. Naval Institute Conference held at the San Diego Convention Center.

During his visit to the Port, the Commandant participated in a briefing that included Dan Malcolm, Chairman of the Board of Port Commissioners; Acting President and CEO John Bolduc; Acting Chief of Harbor Police Mark Stainbrook and other senior Port staff members. The Commandant's spouse, Mrs. Fran DeNinno-Zukunft, accompanied him. She is the Ombudsman-at-Large for the United States Coast Guard. Also attending the briefing was Captain Jonathan Spaner, Coast Guard Sector San Diego Commander.

"Ninety percent of commerce moves through seaports," said Admiral Zukunft. "For the Coast Guard, it is about how we manage, safeguard and regulate maritime activity while facilitating commerce and ultimately our economic security."

Admiral Zukunft thanked the Port for its collaboration with the Coast Guard. The Port works closely with the Coast Guard Maritime Security and Safety Team for training and exercise support. The team also leases space from the Port in National City for operations. Additionally, the Port shares space with the Coast Guard in the Joint Harbor Operations Center, located at the Coast Guard Station on San Diego Bay.

"Here at the Port of San Diego, we take our role of a strategic port very seriously," Chairman Malcolm said at the briefing. "We are very proud of the joint efforts of local, state and federal security partners that work together to secure our very diverse port and especially appreciative of our partnership with the Coast Guard."

Following the briefing at the Port's offices, the Commandant and Mrs. DeNinno-Zukunft received a tour of the Port's Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal. That terminal, along with the National City Marine Terminal, is used periodically for strategic military operations. As one of 17 strategic military ports within the United States, the Port assists the military with important load-in and load-out operations that allow important equipment and supplies to be shipped out to where they are needed.

About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is a unified district encompassing five member cities surrounding San Diego Bay. A public agency, the Port is charged by the State of California with developing the tidelands and commercial business as steward of the public-trust tidelands along 34 miles of San Diego Bay. We share the waterfront with the Navy, which oversees 17 miles of San Diego Bay.

We operate under the Public Trust Doctrine, which specifies that these waterways and waterfronts are primarily reserved for water-dependent uses such as fishing, cargo activity, bay tours and recreational access such as hotels and restaurants; as well as environmental and natural-habitat preservation.

We have guided the development of this prime waterfront property with a carefully selected portfolio of world-class commercial real estate, maritime and public uses. Our 16 hotels, 25 marinas, numerous restaurants, tours and museum attractions operate side-by-side with a working waterfront of boatyards, sportfishing landings and marine cargo terminals. We also maintain 20 public parks as amenities that attract visitors and enhance the value of our waterfront.

It's not unusual to spot sea lions in San Diego Bay, but to see one wandering around a busy roadway and then ending up in the back seat of a Harbor Police patrol car is surely a rare sight.

That's what happened on February 18, 2015, when the Harbor Police Department received a call of a sea lion in the roadway of Harbor Island Drive, near the Island Prime Restaurant. Officer Christine Sperry and Officer Luis Martinez responded to the call and encountered the wayward sea lion, which appeared uninjured and very curious.

With the help of some salmon supplied by Island Prime, Officers Sperry and Martinez were able to lure the sea lion, an adult female, into the water. Within a few minutes, though, she was back up on the sidewalk and nudging Officer Sperry in the leg with her nose. Concerned for the sea lion's safety and for the safety of pedestrians, Officer Sperry contacted Sea World San Diego for guidance. Sea World didn't have any staff available to bring the sea lion in, so Officer Sperry asked them if she could drive it over to Sea World. After putting more salmon onto the backseat of the patrol car, the sea lion hopped in without any hesitation. She rode almost the entire route to Sea World sitting upright, looking out the window.

Once at Sea World, the sea lion was examined by animal care specialists. Her evaluation revealed that she was in good health and Sea World released her into the Pacific Ocean on February 26. Officer Sperry rode along in the vessel with Sea World staff, who affectionately named the sea lion Christine, in honor of Officer Sperry.

Christine was one of seven sea lions being released by Sea World that day. In addition to her, there was another adult female and five pups that had been rescued last year. The pups were malnourished when rescued and had remained at Sea World until they were strong enough to be released into the ocean.

After being released into the ocean, Christine did a few laps around the Sea World vessel before swimming out to sea.

"It was hard to say goodbye to her, but being an animal lover, I know the ocean is the place where she should be," Officer Sperry said.

About the Port:

The Port of San Diego is a unified district encompassing five member cities surrounding San Diego Bay. A public agency, the Port is charged by the State of California with developing the tidelands and commercial business as steward of the public-trust tidelands along 34 miles of San Diego Bay. We share the waterfront with the Navy, which oversees 17 miles of San Diego Bay.

We operate under the Public Trust Doctrine, which specifies that these waterways and waterfronts are primarily reserved for water-dependent uses such as fishing, cargo activity, bay tours and recreational access such as hotels and restaurants; as well as environmental and natural-habitat preservation.

We have guided the development of this prime waterfront property with a carefully selected portfolio of world-class commercial real estate, maritime and public uses. Our 16 hotels, 25 marinas, numerous restaurants, tours and museum attractions operate side-by-side with a working waterfront of boatyards, sportfishing landings and marine cargo terminals. We also maintain 20 public parks as amenities that attract visitors and enhance the value of our waterfront.

As part of efforts to support foreign port security and fight international crime, the Port of San Diego's Harbor Police Department will assist the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs under a Memorandum of Understanding signed April 10, 2015.

The MOU was signed by Ambassador William R. Brownfield, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL); and Harbor Police Chief Mark Stainbrook. It establishes a framework for Harbor Police to train, advise and mentor international law enforcement and security personnel and assist with foreign governments' anti-crime efforts, mainly in Asia and Latin America.

This new relationship with the Port of San Diego is the INL's second port partnership and the first on the West Coast. It builds on its existing work with PortMiami to provide security assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean.

INL frequently receives requests for guidance and support regarding port security matters from foreign governments. Under this partnership, the vast expertise and experience of the Port's Harbor Police Department will be put to work helping partner nations improve border security in the face of increased criminal threats.

By providing training and mentorship, the Port will assist in efforts to combat transnational crime and build partner nations' capacity to establish effective port and maritime security.

"We are excited to partner with the Port of San Diego," said Assistant Secretary Brownfield. "The unique expertise of the Harbor Police will be put to work advancing America's security on the world stage, by helping partner nations establish effective port and maritime security and combat transnational crime. Better port security for countries overseas translates directly into faster transits to and security for the Port of San Diego."

The Harbor Police Department is the law enforcement agency that patrols San Diego Bay, surrounding waterfront areas, and San Diego International Airport. Its 126 sworn officers, supported by 30 civilian professional staff, are highly trained. Officers have expertise in a variety of subjects including maritime firefighting, counter smuggling, human trafficking, K-9 detection of explosives/narcotics, aviation security, vessel operations, maritime tactical training and dive operations.

"The Harbor Police Department plays an important role in international security through our policing of an international marine port and an international airport," said Acting Harbor Police Chief Mark Stainbrook. "The Harbor Police are honored to be invited to share best practices with our counterparts overseas. It makes sense for us to form relationships with law enforcement in other countries, and that's the idea behind this agreement. By teaching and mentoring other port security professionals, we continue to enhance our own understanding."

Harbor Police Officers Christopher Scheil, Sam Davis and Patrick Hennigan will receive Lifesaving Citations from the Port of San Diego's Harbor Police Department for their work using CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to save the life of a 26-year-old man who nearly drowned on July 9, 2015.

"These officers embody the teamwork and professionalism that define our Harbor Police Department," said Harbor Police Chief John Bolduc, who is the Port's Vice President of Public Safety. "Their professional skill and conduct along with their preparation and training helped them save a life. This is the most important duty entrusted to us by the public."

"This incident highlights the importance of highly trained and well equipped officers to include knowledge of CPR and deploying AED kits," said Assistant Chief of Police Mark Stainbrook. "The lifesaving response they provide to an unresponsive victim in the first few minutes until paramedics arrive is critical to the victim's ultimate survival."

The officers responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive man lying on the deck of a swimming pool at a marina on Harbor Island Drive. The man had been in the pool demonstrating his ability to hold his breath for long periods. His friends eventually realized that something was wrong; they pulled him out of the pool and began performing CPR.

The Harbor Police officers continued the CPR, and used an AED to deliver shocks to the man for 12 minutes, until they were relieved by San Diego Fire Department rescue personnel. The San Diego Fire Department medics delivered one more shock to the man, after which he regained a normal heart rhythm and began breathing on his own.

The Port's Harbor Police Department is an essential law enforcement agency that provides a range of public safety services to the San Diego region including marine fire fighting, vessel patrol, K-9 detection team, dive team and aviation security. The Harbor Police Department has been recognized by the U.S. Department of State for its efforts to support foreign port security and fight international crime.

About the Port of San Diego:
The Port of San Diego is a unified district encompassing five member cities surrounding San Diego Bay. A public agency, the Port is charged by the State of California with developing the tidelands and commercial business as steward of the public-trust tidelands along 34 miles of San Diego Bay. We share the waterfront with the Navy, which oversees 17 miles of San Diego Bay.

We operate under the Public Trust Doctrine, which specifies that these waterways and waterfronts are primarily reserved for water-dependent uses such as fishing, cargo activity, bay tours and recreational access such as hotels and restaurants; as well as environmental and natural-habitat preservation.

We have guided the development of this prime waterfront property with a carefully selected portfolio of world-class commercial real estate, maritime and public uses. Our 16 hotels, 25 marinas, numerous restaurants, tours and museum attractions operate side-by-side with a working waterfront of boatyards, sportfishing landings and marine cargo terminals. We also operate 22 public parks as amenities that attract visitors and enhance the value of our waterfront.

The Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department recently named its 2015 Officer of the Year, Dispatcher of the Year and Volunteer of the Year. The annual awards are the department's highest honors and recognize individuals for exceptional service, teamwork and initiative.

Officer Mike Hart, an 11-year veteran of the Harbor Police Department, was named Officer of the Year for 2015. His accomplishments during 2014 included 47 felony and misdemeanor arrests for assault, auto theft, narcotics and weapons violations. Additionally, he arrested the driver of a vehicle carrying more than 42 pounds of methamphetamine while working on an interception for Operation Stonegarden. Operation Stonegarden is a coordinated effort to protect the border region, including the Port, the City of Chula Vista, the San Diego Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and others.

Officer Hart's other accomplishments include locating and arresting a subject threatening to shoot down a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, arresting a fleeing domestic violence suspect and assisting the Carlsbad Police Department with a case involving a suspect threatening its police officers.

Officer Hart is also a member of the Harbor Police Dive Team and Vessel Training Team.

Beverly Hennings, a 19-year veteran of the Harbor Police Department's dispatch team, has been named Dispatcher of the Year. During her tenure with the Harbor Police, Hennings has displayed exceptional professionalism and initiative and serves as a mentor and trainer to fellow dispatchers. In addition to her regular duties, Hennings is a member of the Harbor Police Department's Peer Support Team, providing support and guidance in both professional and personal situations.

Craig Caldwell, a Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol Officer (RSVP) with the Harbor Police, has been named Volunteer of the Year. Caldwell has been a member of the RSVP for six years, averaging 900 volunteer hours annually. He regularly patrols the tidelands, assisting with traffic control and parking enforcement. Caldwell's successes over the past year included assisting with the arrest of a suspect under the influence of a controlled substance. He also extinguished a small fire on the Embarcadero, preventing it from spreading and causing injury or further damage.

About the Harbor Police:
The Harbor Police Department provides law enforcement, marine fire-fighting services, public safety and Homeland Security throughout the Port tidelands and San Diego Bay. Harbor Police Officers also patrol San Diego International Airport under contract with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

Port Contact:  Tanya Castaneda: (619) 686-6330
State Contact:  Sheri Pemberton:  (916) 574-1800

(Sacramento), Calif. – The State Lands Commission and the San Diego Unified Port District announced today an agreement to work together to develop a pilot marine planning partnership in San Diego County. The agreement will ensure meaningful public participation, accountability, transparency, and a science-based process for adaptively managing ocean resources.

"I am encouraged the San Diego Unified Port District embraced this opportunity to partner with the State Lands Commission on a program that will be the first of its kind in California,” said State Controller Betty Yee, who chairs the Commission.  “I will work to ensure all stakeholders continue to have a voice in this process, and that transparency is at the forefront of our efforts.  The San Diego region's marine research knowledge will provide a strong science basis to plan for the blue economy while preserving critical resources."

The agreement memorializes a partnership between the Commission and Port of San Diego to develop a framework to engage in a comprehensive, ecosystem-based, stakeholder driven partnership for state-owned tidelands and submerged lands in the Pacific Ocean offshore San Diego County. The agreement will help guide cooperative future planning for ocean areas, which are managed by the State Lands Commission, with holistic consideration of adjacent areas of the San Diego Bay that are managed by the Port of San Diego and the Commission.

“As the environmental steward of San Diego Bay, the Port has a long history of proactive and ongoing efforts to protect and manage this water and land resource, our priceless and irreplaceable regional asset,” said Port of San Diego Chairman Marshall Merrifield. “Our historic agreement with the State Lands Commission to partner on planning for areas of the Pacific Ocean adjacent to Port jurisdiction is a model of collaboration among public agencies for the greater good. This partnership will support scientific decision making, management consistency across jurisdictions, and robust public engagement.”

“The Port’s partnership with the State Lands Commission demonstrates our commitment to holistic planning and community engagement," said Board Commissioner Ann Moore. “The Port is in the midst of an Integrated Planning effort in which we are developing a thoughtful and balanced approach to creating a vibrant San Diego Bay for future generations, and this cooperative effort supports and furthers those goals.”

The planning effort will be anchored on the three pillars of science, robust collaboration, and environmental protection. The Commission and Port are committed to these goals and to gathering all the data possible and to provide that information in a comprehensive and accessible manner. The memorandum of agreement is available here