A team of Harbor Police officers recently returned from a deployment to Jamaica where they provided mentoring and assessment training to maritime police from several port towns as part of U.S. efforts to promote maritime security around the world.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the Harbor Police Department is tapped to share best practices with law enforcement agencies for ports and harbors around the world to support foreign port security and fight international crime. The Harbor Police Department MOU was signed in April 2015.
During the Jamaica deployment, which ran from February 16 through February 25, 2016, Harbor Police officers worked with a police advisor from the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs to observe patrol procedures and to inspect police vessels to ensure that they were safe and maintained. The Port’s lead fleet mechanic also traveled with the group to provide guidance and advice on vessel maintenance procedures.
“The Port of San Diego and San Diego Harbor Police recognize the need to build relationships with our international law enforcement partners,” said John Bolduc, Chief of Harbor Police. “Maritime security is a global issue, and we are pleased to be able to participate in this joint training to help keep ports and harbors around the world safe.”
The team conducted its training on site at Jamaican Constabulary Force Marine Division stations in areas that ranged from busy cruise ports to smaller towns and settlements. These included Kingston, Black River, Blue Fields, Negril, Montego Bay, Glistening Waters, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, St. Thomas, Portmore and Old Harbor.
In addition to providing guidance on equipment and maintenance, the team recommended that police training be provided in the areas of officer safety, navigation, smuggling indicators and vessel operators.
The U.S. Department of State will determine what follow-up actions will be taken.