It is the mission of the LMPD River Patrol Unit to provide waterborne law enforcement service and emergency rescue response on the Ohio River and its tributaries within the jurisdictional boundaries of Louisville-Jefferson County, Kentucky. The River Patrol Unit will provide quality law enforcement, search and rescue, recovery of drowning victims, flood response and boater safe educational outreach. The LMPD River Patrol will respond, investigate, and assist Federal partners in conducting Homeland Security patrols within the Port of Louisville.
The LMPD River Patrol is the only full-time maritime asset that is dedicated to patrolling 37 miles of the Ohio River 365 days a year. The River Patrol often works in tandem with the LMPD Dive Team to provide the platform for our divers to operate from. The River Patrol utilizes 6 large patrol vessels, personal watercraft, and a variety of flood boats to respond to multiple situations.
The River Patrol participates in an Active Inspection Program and will conduct a boat inspection whenever possible to check that vessels are equipped with proper safety equipment. The inspections help reduce and prevent boating mishaps by ensuring equipment that is required by law is present and serviceable.