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Scuba & Marine Units

Sergeant Kevin McKenna, an 18-year veteran of both the Marine and SCUBA Units, heads both the Marine and SCUBA Units. 

Marine Unit

The Albany Police Marine Unit patrols the Hudson River on a full time basis from May to September as a two-man patrol.  The Unit operates a 23-foot sea swirl modified for Police Marine Patrol activities.  The Unit monitors and assists with the many events held on and parallel to the river each summer.

The Marine Unit also has a 21-foot rigid hull, or inflatable zodiac, that is used for winter and off-season conditions, as well as for SCUBA. 

The Marine Unit has four vessels at its disposal for continued uninterrupted service during the patrol season. 

The Marine Unit is on call all day every day to respond to emergencies and incidents on the water in the City of Albany.  There are 20 certified boat operators in the Police Department increasing the chances that an operator will be on duty should their expertise be called upon. 

SCUBA Unit

The Albany Public Safety Dive Team is comprised of both Police and Fire Department divers.  Together, this 11-man unit responds to any water related incidents that require the skills of a SCUBA diver.  All team members must successfully pass novice SCUBA school given by the New York State Police, and must certify by their standards twice each year; once during the summer, and once underneath ice.

The divers train monthly in order to maintain the level of confidence and proficiency needed to accomplish their mission.