Marine Unit
To report an accident or other incident requiring immediate police assistance, DIAL 911 or:
Ben Franklin Bridge:
(856) 968-3301
Walt Whitman Bridge:
(215) 218-3701
Commodore Barry Bridge:
(856) 241-4801
Betsy Ross Bridge:
(856) 317-5901
PATCO:
(856) 963-7995

The Delaware River Port Authority's Police Department launched its Marine Unit patrol in 2004 to assist in enhancing the physical security of DRPA's four bridges—the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry, and Betsy Ross as well as assisting the U.S. Coast Guard and local police marine units with patrolling the waterway of the Delaware River.
The $200,000 patrol vessel was purchased using federal homeland security funds awarded to DRPA in 2004 through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). The total award of $2.4 million was part of $110 million in grant monies awarded to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania under the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP), the Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Program (LETPP), and the Urban Area Security Initiative.
The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) Marine Unit is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the ports and waterways within the DRPA's jurisdiction. Some of the specific roles and responsibilities of the DRPA Marine Unit include:
- Search and Rescue: The Marine Unit is responsible for responding to distress calls and conducting search and rescue operations in an emergency.
- Port Security: The Marine Unit works closely with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the security of the ports and waterways within the DRPA's jurisdiction.
- Emergency Response: The Marine Unit is trained to respond to various emergency situations, including natural disasters, hazardous material spills, and acts of terrorism.
In recent years, the DRPA Marine Unit has continued to evolve and adapt to changing conditions on the Delaware River. The unit has embraced new technologies and equipment, including advanced patrol boats, sonar systems, and communication devices, to enhance its effectiveness and efficiency.
Today, the DRPA Marine Unit is essential to the Delaware River's maritime ecosystem. The unit's officers work tirelessly to protect the safety and security of maritime traffic, respond to emergencies, and enforce regulations, ensuring that the Delaware River remains a vital economic and environmental resource for the region.
Overall, the DRPA Marine Unit is critical in ensuring the safety and security of the ports and waterways within the DRPA's jurisdiction and works closely with other agencies to achieve these goals.