The Venice Police Marine Unit began service in 1991 with the quarterly rotation of selected officers to perform marine duties.

In late 1992, one officer was permanently assigned to the unit. There are now two members of the unit: Officers Phil Phillips and Paul Joyce.

The department has two boats and a Polaris all-terrain vehicle. The Jon boat is used for canal navigation and response to waterway emergencies in areas not accessible to the Boston Whaler vessel. The unit patrols Venetian Waterway Park on bicycles, encouraging interaction and partnership with members of the community.

The unit patrols area lakes, the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Gulf of Mexico up to 7 miles offshore, all parks and government properties assigned to West Coast Inland Navigation District and Army Corp of Engineers. These officers work hand-in-hand with a number of local and federal agencies, as needed. They assist the United States Coast Guard within a 15-mile distance of Venice.

The Marine and Park Unit is generally deployed seven days a week and responds to incidents involving water or park accidents, drownings, water-born plane crashes, disabled watercraft and vessels in distress. The unit investigates boating-under-the-influence incidents, manatee zone violations, fishing law violations, and performs task force details for waterway enforcement efforts.

This unit provides safe boating regulation information and enforces boating laws. It strives to educate the recreational boater and ensure experienced boaters navigate safely. The Marine and Park Unit’s participation in land and waterway parades is a Venice tradition.