Marine Unit

The Green Bay Police Department (GBPD) Marine Unit patrols the Fox River within the city limits and the "lower" bay of Green Bay. You will see GBPD Marine Officers patrolling these federally regulated waterways at various times during the season.

Mission

Our mission is to protect and provide a safe environment on the water which may include assisting disabled vessels, working to provide maritime support during Dive Team/Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) operations, as well as aiding in search and rescue incidents.

We work closely with the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and USCG Auxiliary, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Green Bay Metro Fire Department in these emergency operations.

Unit Composition

Lieutenant Jordan Atlas is the Unit Supervisor that oversees the day to day operations and the patrols that occur throughout the season.

The Marine Unit is comprised of 12 boat operators trained in maritime law and advanced operations to include:

  • Enforcement of municipal, state and federal laws
  • Navigation
  • Safety inspections
  • Search and rescue
  • Vessel contacts

The Marine Unit works with SWAT in tactical operations to include high risk water born scenarios.

Equipment

The Marine Unit consists of two vessels, including:

  • Number 109 which is a 2006 Zodiac (30 foot) powered by twin 250 horsepower Mercury Verado outboard engines
  • Number 165 which is a 2005 Safe Boat (25 foot) powered by twin 225 horsepower Honda outboard engines

Safe Boat

The department purchased the Safe Boat from United States government surplus in 2018 after it was decommissioned by the USCG. After receiving a new bright blue paint job from its original USCG orange it has a new home on the Fox River.

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Remembrance of Terry Halverson

When the Safe Boat was purchased in June of 2018, the Marine Officers numbered this boat to 165 in remembrance of Marine Officer Terry Halverson; 165 is Officer Halverson’s badge number.

For More Information on Vessel 165

To learn more about vessel 165:

Boat Outfitting

The patrol boats are fully outfitted with all necessary safety, rescue and dive equipment including:

  • Electronics
  • Emergency lighting
  • Fire extinguishers
  • First aid kits
  • Global Positioning System (GPS)
  • Life jackets
  • Marine and police radio
  • Radar
  • Throw rings
  • Tow lines

Vessel Mooring Partnership

Both department vessels 109 and 165 are moored at South Bay Marina located at:
101 Bay Beach Road
Green Bay, WI 54302

A special thank you to South Bay Marina as they donate the use of their docks and facility to the Police Department. All of the staff at South Bay Marina have been a great partner with the Police Department and strongly support our efforts to promote and maintain a safe maritime environment. We thank them and look forward to our continued partnership.

For More Information

For more information on marina, visit the South Bay Marina website.

Unit Responses

The Marine Unit has responded to numerous calls for boater assistance ranging from disabled boats to vessels sinking. The Marine Unit has responded to disturbances on the river, maintained crime scenes, investigated boat crashes and made arrests on intoxicated boaters.

Operation Dry WaterOperation Dry Water

The Marine Unit wants everyone to have a safe and successful season. Recreating on the water and stopping along the City Deck or other piers to visit local restaurants can be fun for the whole family but just like on land if you’ve had too much to drink please have a designated driver. 

The Marine Unit partners with the USCG yearly for an educational campaign "Operation Dry Water" where the statistics of boating injuries related to alcohol are shared with the public. Inevitably there are those who still put themselves and others at risk and are arrested for Operating While Intoxicated.

Department of Natural Resources Support

The Green Bay Police Department Marine Unit would not be possible without the fiduciary support of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WI DNR). Current state statutes make it possible for reimbursements up to 75% for equipment and patrol hours that local law enforcement agencies spend providing law enforcement on Wisconsin rivers and lakes.

Dignitary Security Details & Event Support

The Marine Unit has been asked to support dignitary security details on and around the waterways of Green Bay, and be the foremost authority at large events to include Fire over the Fox (4th of July), Nicolet Bank’s Tall Ships Festival, and the Dragon Boat Races a fundraising event for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Green Bay.

Learn more about the Dragon Boat Races on YouTube

Maritime or Marine Unit Questions

The Green Bay Police Marine Unit is dedicated to make the "Great Waterway" of Green Bay and the Fox River a safe place for all recreational boaters and commercial maritime industries alike. If you have any maritime questions or about the Marine Unit, please contact members of the unit at the Marine Unit email or by phone 920-448-3200, ext. 0970.

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