Logan Martin Lake goers will see an increased marine patrol presence beginning next week.

Monday Pell City approved to pay its $11,000 portion for two 150 horsepower engines that will be one of the last steps before the city’s marine patrol hits the water for 2011.

The above-water upgrades will be the beefed-up presence on the lake and docks.

“What we’re hoping to happen is that once the engines are here, we’ll be able to run year round,” Chief Greg Turley said. “I think we need to do that because last week we had another engine stolen. I think when we’re out there all kind of issues seem to cease. I consider this boat to be the communities boat — and they almost demand year-round protection.”

Besides the $29,000 for the engines, controls, gauges and a new ignition system, lakeside upgrades will include a ramp that will allow year-round access, even when water levels are low. Turley said one marina has been in talks with PCPD to provide a year-round, covered dock.

“We’ve seen what happens when we’re off the water,” Turley said. “It’s not just trying to catch bad guys… It’s also about providing support.”

Towing, providing fuel for people whose boats have run out and rescue operations for stranded boaters are made easier with PCPD combining their efforts with the state’s marine patrol.

Dock watch program

“There’s a peace of mind aspect as well,” said Turley, who said many have complained about people tying off on docks for short periods. An increased lake presence will give people the option of immediately calling trespassers in to the patrol.

Dock watch plaques are available for residents to post, Turley said. Residents need only to call and request to participate.

“We’ve got a lot of crime that’s unreported,” said Turley. “People think that with only one state marine officer on the lake at a time that they can get away with stuff. We want to be able to change that. I want all the crime reported because many times, even after the fact, the pieces come together. For those who live on the water and have property there, in the past it seems that half of their property is not assessed. We’re a lakeside community and we want to be out there.”

Increased presence

State marine police will be joined by PCPD on the water more and more as the year progresses, Turley said. “I want our people to know that when we get a call — we need to be on the water in five minutes.”

The marine patrol has typically been the one law enforcement person on the lake getting people for violations like boating under the influence or responding to emergency calls.

“It’s kind of like a trooper on the highway who might be out there every day, but doesn’t have time to build relationships in Pell City,” said Turley, who was one of the first marine patrol officers in the state that also worked for a city. “We can build those relationships because that’s what we’re able to do with this program. It’s bout synergy — we can do some amazing things together (with the marine police). We can make sure that when they’re off the water, we’re on the water.”

Crime fighting gear

The patrol boat has bottom and side sonar and thermal imaging. “When these bad guys work at night and try to be covert we have a way to eliminate that and track them.”

PCPD will be getting body cameras soon.

The patrol vessel also has a microwave camera system that no matter where marine patrol officers are, they can remote control the camera with pans, tilting and zoom.

The patrol vessel is outfitted with two Honda four stroke, 150 horsepower engines. One has a counter screw that will turn the other way to make maneuvering in slews easier. “It can — essentially — turn around on a dime,” Turley said. “It’s also one of the most economical marine engines out there.”

They engines have about 20 percent more efficiency than competitor models. They are efficient and clean burning. Previously the engines were two cycle and officers had to mix oil and gas.

“We’re absolutely going to protect our marinas and our citizens. Don’t think that nothing will happen. We take crime seriously in our community and we have technology, people and the ability to make that happen,” Turley said.

Citizens can hail the Pell City marine patrol on marine band radio and dispatch.

For any emergency situation where life or property is at risk, call central dispatch at 205-884-3333. For stranded, non-energy or crime tip, support services or to ask for a dock watch plaque call a boat operator directly at 205-368-3294.