(Sacramento, CA) – Assembly Member Ted Lieu, (D-Torrance), introduced AB 1407, which will help to better protect our waterways by giving the Redondo Beach Harbor Patrol the ability to make arrests for offenses such as speeding, reckless boating or boating while under the influence.
“Our harbor patrol members need the proper tools to protect our waters,” said Lieu, who represents Redondo Beach and other South Bay beach cities. “By granting them the ability to make arrests, the Harbor Patrol will be able to more efficiently protect us.”
Until recently, it was assumed that the Harbor Patrol held the authority to make arrests while in the field. It was only in the past year that this practice has come under question. Due to this, the Redondo Beach Harbor Patrol must wait until a police officer is on the scene in order to make a stop or arrest. This practice is time consuming and potentially dangerous to those patrol members awaiting the arrival of another law enforcement agency.
"The City of Redondo Beach is pleased that Assembly Member Ted Lieu is willing to sponsor legislation to ensure the effective on-going operation of the City's Harbor Patrol unit," said Mayor Mike Gin. "While the primary responsibilities of our Harbor Patrol include fire, emergency medical, and rescue response, they also undertake selective law enforcement related activities. AB 1407 will confirm their powers of arrest and facilitate the hybrid model, which provides the greatest benefit to our local community, especially our boaters."
AB 1407 will make the language of the law more clear and give the Redondo Beach Harbor Patrol the ability to make arrests without the unnecessary waiting. It will allow members of the harbor patrol to better perform their duties. Similar legislation was passed last year regarding security guards in the City of Los Angeles.
“This legislation will help to streamline our public safety process,” Lieu said. “In addition, it will help make boating and other water recreation safe for our families and community.”
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