What is a Marine Police Officer?

The Virginia Marine Police are the front-line defenders of our tidal natural resources and comprise the largest division within the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). Their primary role is to protect the marine and aquatic life through enforcement of the laws and regulations codified in the Code of Virginia. Additionally, Marine Police Officers (MPOs) ensure commercial and recreational fishing compliance with Federal and State laws.

MPOs conduct search and rescue operations, enforce boating safety laws, respond to emergency calls, investigate boating accidents and criminal activity, and provide counter-terrorism patrols to our military installations, shipyards, nuclear power plants, and other high-value maritime assets.

MPOs receive the same training as other municipal, county, and state law enforcement officers overseen by the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) under § 9.1-102. Upon completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Academy, passing of the state certification exam and completing required field training, they are commissioned as law enforcement officers (§ 28.2-106, Code of Virginia) who have the authority throughout the Commonwealth with a focus on VMRC related matters. The Marine Police Officers must also complete annual in-service training.

The highly trained men and women of the Virginia Marine Police are dedicated to providing the highest standard of law enforcement service to the citizens of the Commonwealth and visitors. They serve a valuable, specialized role in public safety and fishery management, and continue a proud tradition of service, valor, and professionalism in one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth.