The Marine Patrol Is Ruining Boating

[winnipesaukeenh]

Originally Posted by Kamper

When did the NHMP get the authority to carry guns? I hope that was just a TASER in his holster. If you ever see an MP with a real gun you should report that immediatly.

This is a disturbing post! It would be completely dangerous and insensible to carry a taser on the water! And as another poster stated, the ENTIRE agency is armed this year. They are no different from any other law enforcement agency, and I think it's great that they are finally armed. And no, if you see a Marine Patrol Officer with a firearm, which you will, there is no need to "report it." They have qualified with the weapon, thus earning the right to carry it.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by winnipesaukeenh

"...the ENTIRE agency is armed this year...and I think it's great that they are finally armed..."

This just isn't right.

For half a century, the Winnipesaukee MPs have not been armed.

It's either:

1) justified due to some boating-public demographic we haven't heard about, or

2) it's some kind of embellishment to draw seasonal help—who can then seek LEO employment elsewhere off-season.

(A poor way, IMHO, to spend "OPM"—Other People's Money)

Originally Posted by docs333

"...Most of these MP guys are just frustrated wannabe cops who never could get hired on a REAL police dept...!!!!"

My several "meetups" with NHMPs have been mostly cordial—and I had one "meetup" with one NHMP officer that lasted 1½ hours! I was eventually cited, but then "uncited" after mail was exchanged with Director Barrett showing that I was correct.

Originally Posted by winnilover

"...I have had no problems with them during the week..."

Just don't be the only boat in view on the lake!

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

"...DUI is a huge problem on Lake Winnipesaukee..."

It is? How can a NHMP officer determine that?

Late last season, I watched a 30-foot boat do a half-dozen large "figure-eights" at top speed. Was it BUI or a chance to run out last year's gasoline?

Wouldn't it then make sense to crowd that boat into a 150-foot violation?

Originally Posted by Lakegeezer

"...The MP often shifts direction to force the other to slow down. It is legal harassment, clear and simple. It is just the way some of the MP do their job. I have no idea if they are trained to do this or if it is just their own decision..."

...and...

Originally Posted by Silver Duck

I, too, can think of several instances where I was quite certain that an MP vessel had altered course to provoke an interaction in order to see how I'd respond...

...and...

Originally Posted by jrc

"...There is no need for dirty tricks. The MP's can write as many 150' violations and BUI as they want every Saturday and Sunday..."

I agree with jrc, but in order to entrap a problem boater—one who could have been "called-in"—that offender may need to be crowded by the MP to allow "a legitimate stop".

BTW 1: Just an MP's presence in a narrow spot will reduce 150-foot violations by those knowledgeable in this lake's rules.

BTW 2: Am I seeing the same handful of boaters doing the complaining?