Armed police officers begin water-based patrols to boost public safety
The force’s Specialist Operations Unit has begun conducting water-based patrols, combining the skills of its Firearms and Marine Policing teams to enhance policing across rivers, coasts, and other waterways.
Last updated 12th Feb 2026
The initiative allows officers to respond more quickly to incidents in areas that are traditionally harder to reach, work alongside partner agencies, and maintain a visible presence on the water.
It also strengthens the unit’s ability to support wider policing operations, ensuring a rapid and coordinated response when needed.
Inspector Matt Stringer from the Specialist Operations Unit explained:
“While seeing armed officers on the water may understandably cause concern for some residents, I want to reassure the community that there is no specific threat. These patrols are part of a proactive policing approach, designed to enhance our ability to respond to incidents effectively.”
The patrols were put into action immediately.
On their first day, Wednesday 11 February 2026, officers were able to respond swiftly to reports of a man on a barge allegedly threatening another individual while in possession of an axe.
Thanks to the water-based presence, armed officers were quickly deployed and arrested a 51-year-old man on suspicion of criminal damage, affray, possession of an offensive weapon, two counts of criminal damage to property, and assault.
He remains in police custody.
These patrols underline the unit’s commitment to keeping communities safe across all areas of the force, including waterways, and demonstrate how combining specialist skills can lead to faster, more effective policing.