Calif. Agency Adds Powerful, High-Tech Patrol Boat

A San Diego-area police department has added an agile, high-tech patrol boat to its fleet to intercept drug and human smugglers.

Screenshot via Patch.Screenshot via Patch.A San Diego-area police department has added an agile, high-tech patrol boat to its fleet to intercept drug and human smugglers.

The Oceanside (Calif.) Police Department applied a $737,000 federal grant from Operation Stonegarden to the purchase of the 35-foot boat. The grant allowed the agency to pay for foul weather gear, encrypted radios, searchlights, overtime enforcement, fuel and maintenance costs, reports San Diego U-T. The department also received $250,000 to purchase an armored rescue vehicle.

Powered by three 300-hp outboard motors, the new vessel can reach speeds of up to 45 knots (or about 52 mph). The boat is equipped with radar, FLIR and GPS. The boat is constructed with an aluminum frame filled with foam, so it can take several rounds without sinking, reports Oceanside-Camp Pendleton Patch.

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