You could say they are putting the “ship” in partnership.
Fifteen different law enforcement agencies from Canada and the U.S. have joined forces for a two-day border security blitz along the St. Lawrence River.
Most visible was the NGCC Corporal Teather C.V. – a Canadian Coast Guard mid-shore patrol vessel of the joint Coast Guard/RCMP Marine Security Enforcement Team. It’s basically a 140-foot floating police station. “That’s our base of operations. We live on the ship,” says Cpl. Chris Scott of the RCMP. “This is our floating detachment, and then our so-called police car will be our RHIBs.” (Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats that can be launched from the ship.)
Other agencies involved in the blitz include the O.P.P., Cornwall Police, Canada Border Services, New York State Police, Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service, and several other agencies from both sides of the border. They are the agencies that routinely patrol Canada/U.S. waterways for signs of smuggling and other criminal activities.
In addition to heightening the visibility of the marine border patrols, the purpose of the blitz was also to remind the public of their role. Officers also went door-to-door along the shoreline asking people to report any signs of suspicious activity. "For example it could be somebody dropping off someone and boating right away off. It could be dropping off some luggage or duffle bags," says Cst. Jean Juneau of the Cornwall Regional Task Force.
Anyone with anything to report can call the Cornwall Regional Task Force at at 1-613-937-2800 or 1-800-387-0020.
