Marine Division
Plaquemines Parish has many navigable waterways, which fall under the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction. The Marine Search and Rescue Division consists of a fleet of boats that provide a quick response. They are used for routine patrol on Plaquemines Parish recreational and commercial waterways, such as rivers and bayous. Deputies working in this division have received specialized training in water rescues and special tactics to be used with watercraft. They work closely with the United States Coast Guard and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to ensure safety on the water and respond to emergencies.
Deputies are subject to call out, 24 hours day/7 days a week, for emergencies such as lost boaters, disabled vessels, and accidents. For example, within a five-week period covering November and December of 2007, they responded to 45 incidents. One required the recovery of a deceased person.