Gulf Shores PD Now Has Marine Unit

Gulf Shores, Ala. -- The Gulf Shores Police Department says their waters are now safer, with the introduction of a new full-time marine unit. The unit is currently staffed by two officers and will patrol the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf. They will respond to emergencies and enforce no-wake zones. The officers are currently using a small center-console boat, but are acquiring a new 29-foot boat, which is expected to cost nearly $500,000. The city is only paying for a quarter of that -- the rest is funded by a grant.