When the summer boating season begins on Lake Lanier, the Hall County Sheriff’s
Office (HCSO) will have two vessels available for patrol purposes, including a 29-foot
cabin rigid inflatable boat purchased last year. HCSO lake patrols begin this Friday.
HCSO used $280,000 in asset forfeiture funds (money seized from local criminal enterprises)
to make the purchase for the agency’s Marine Patrol Unit.
“With the growth of visitor traffic on Lanier, we knew a few years ago we needed a boat
with advanced navigation technology and communications gear so we could optimize our
lake patrols,” said Capt. Michael Mount of HCSO’s Uniform Patrol Division. “Not only is this
boat equipped with better technology, the cabin is climate controlled, allowing our
deputies to work in all types of weather.”
The patrol deputies assigned to the unit collaborate with the Georgia Department of
Natural Resources and the Corps of Engineers, assisting with lake patrols, security at lakefront parks and enforcement of boating regulations, among other duties. Two deputies currently are assigned to the Marine Patrol Unit. According to Capt. Mount, Marine Patrol deputies made limited use of the boat when it arrived late last summer.
The older boat will also be available as a backup for lake patrols. During busier times, such as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, both boats likely will be on the water. Lake patrols are scheduled to continue until October.