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Corpus Christi, TX - On April 23, 2010, Port Corpus Christi Police Department launched its first all-weather, multi-purpose patrol boat. This first patrol boat is a 29’ aluminum hull vessel manufactured by SAFEBoat and it is powered by twin 4-stroke Mercury outboard engines. The vessel has a fully enclosed cabin equipped with A/C and heat. State of the art electronics provide the crew the ability to locate and track vessels, as well as to detect certain forms of radiation, gas, and other elements. A Forward-Looking-Infrared (FLIR) system and radar is installed which assists the crew in navigating during times of limited visibility. The FLIR system will assist the crew in detecting people/things in the water that otherwise might not be visible to the naked eye. An underwater 3-D acoustic imaging device will aid the crew in detecting anomalies such as improvised explosive devices (IED’s). The SAFEBoat has forward and aft mounts capable of supporting light-rifle weapons systems.
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The patrol boat was funded through the federal DHS/FEMA Port Security Grant Program (PSGP). At almost $260,000, the federal grant provided 75% of the funding. The remainder was a cash match by Port Corpus Christi. Through subsequent PSGP funds, which require no cash match, two more patrol boats are set to be delivered to the Port this year. The second boat, a 31’ SAFEBoat, and the third will be a 38’ SAFEBoat.
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Since 9/11 Port Police have been intermittently patrolling the Port’s Inner Harbor on a center console 22’ outboard Hydrosport recreational fair weather boat. Marine operations/patrols were limited to very calm seas, fair winds, and good visibility. Barring extreme foul weather, Port Police will now be underway patrolling the waters with much greater frequency and effectiveness. As it has done since 9/11, Port Police will continue to work in partnership with area law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, CCPD, Portland/Ingleside/Aransas Pass/Port Aransas Police Depts., San Patricio & Nueces County Sheriff’s, DPS, and Texas Parks & Wildlife.
In the global context, Port Corpus Christi remains a significant and thriving U.S. Port which serves the bulk material, petrochemical, energy, and agricultural industries. The Port is also a designated Military Strategic Deployment port. Through the post-9/11 effort to strengthen the security of U.S. Ports, Port Corpus Christi has received millions of dollars to enhance the security of its facilities. Much of this effort involved installation of security fencing, access control systems, intelligent video surveillance systems, and the 2004 establishment of the Port Police Department. Port Police Chief Art Archambo said “This new marine patrol vessel coupled with our sophisticated video analytics surveillance system give our patrol officers and security analysts a premier capability to deter or mitigate terrorist activity.”
The primary economic engine of the Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is one of the 10 largest ports in the United States in total tonnage. The Port’s mission statement is to serve as a regional economic development catalyst while protecting and enhancing its existing industrial base and simultaneously working to diversify its international maritime cargo business. Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico, with a straight, 45’ft deep channel, the Port provides quick access to the Gulf and the entire United States inland waterway system. The Port delivers outstanding access to overland transportation with on-site and direct connections to three Class-1 railroads and uncongested interstate and state highways. The Port is protected by a state-of-the-art security department and an award-winning Environmental Management System. With outstanding management and operations staff, Port Corpus Christi is clearly, “More Than You Can Sea.”
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