The Sheriff's Marine Patrol and Water Rescue Unit is charged with the responsibility of patrolling the lakes of Oakland County. The Unit is prepared for ready-response to the 450 plus lakes in the County. The Marine Unit fleet has twenty-three patrol boats, two rapid-response jump boats, one hovercraft, six all-terrain vehicles, and four snowmobiles assigned to the unit, which are put to use by qualified full- and part-time uniformed officers.
The Unit maintains a 12-member, highly-trained, dive-and-rescue team.
The team is equipped with the latest advanced technology dive gear,
including Side-Scan Sonar and underwater ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle). With continuous specialized training and equipment, the Sheriff’s Dive Team is ready to dive in virtually any weather or water condition. In 2019, there were 2,002 hours of contracted lake patrol and 2,113 hours of jump boat patrol.
The Sheriff's Marine Unit conducts
boater, snowmobile, and hunter safety courses that are free to the public. In 2019, there were 309 people certified in Boater Safety.
Marine Unit EMERGENCY number: 911 (NOTE: messages left for the marine division may not be retrieved for hours or days, so if you have a marine-related incident that involves any injuries or damaged property, please call 911 to have an officer dispatched to your location)
Marine Unit General Information/Classes: 248-858-7831
Marine Unit Sergeant Brian Burwell: 248-858-1664