Securing our northern border

     Securing northen borders requires a joint effort of several police agencies.  The State of Ohio shares a 158 mile border with Canada that cuts across Lake Erie.  The area within the jurisdiction of the Oregon Police Division hosts international shipping routes, commercial fishing operations, land based utility facilities that include major oil refineries, power plants, and two water treatment plants; as wells as major shoreline recreational areas.

          The Norther Border Initiative (NBI) was organized by the Ohio Department of Public Safety and its division of Homeland Security.  The NBI has brought together several law enforcement agencies for the purpose of sharing information, training together, and patrolling the areas jointly.  Nearly 60 agencies have partnered with Federal Agencies that include the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Border Patrol, and the Ohio National Guard.

     Oregon Police Officers and the Lucas County Sheriff's Deputies serve on a state-of-the art, all weather rescue boat owned and operated by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office; and on a Boston Whaler owned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, that also patrols Lake Erie.  The multi-jurisdictional water patrols, that make safety inspections and inquisitive stops on the lake, also address routine safety issues such as boating under the influence and vessels in distress.

Article Reference:

Bailer, Bryn (2009, April) Oregon (Ohio) Police Division - Securing Northern Borders. Police-The Law Enforcement Magazine. 70-71.