Marine Patrol

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol Unit is fully funded by the Oregon State Marine Board, including wages, equipment and watercraft.  The Polk County Marine Patrol Unit was selected by the State of Oregon as the Seasonal Program of the Year in 2009. This was the second year in a row, and the fifth time in the last nine years, that it received such honors by the Oregon State Marine Board. Each of our Marine Captains are dedicated to providing a safe boating experience for all boaters enjoying Polk County.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol covers nearly 40 miles of the Willamette River. Our patrol coverage is from river mile 74 to river mile 114. Our patrol season starts in May and goes through September. We use two aluminum jet boats for patrol. One is a 20-ft North River and the other is a 21-ft Jet Craft. Occasionally, we have been known to use personal water craft for patrol as well.

In conjunction with patrolling the waterway, we also conduct HIN (Hull Identification Number) inspections for vessels needed to complete the registration and titling process from the Oregon State Marine Board. If you are in need of a HIN inspection to complete this process, please call our main office number (503) 623-9251 to set up a time. We also teach water safety classes to children and adults at various safety fairs throughout the year.