HISTORY OF THE VICTORIAN WATER POLICE SQUAD
In 1840, Charles Joseph La Trobe, Superintendent of the Port Phillip District, formed the Water Police.
The original contingent comprised a Coxswain and three Water Police Constables. By 1852 the Water Police had grown in number with a detachment also stationed at Geelong.
In 1961, the Motor Boating Act was proclaimed.
On the 7th of February 1964, "The Motor Boating Squad" commenced duty, comprising I Senior Sergeant, I Sergeant, and 10 Senior Constables.
The original contingent comprised a Coxswain and three Water Police Constables. By 1852 the Water Police had grown in number with a detachment also stationed at Geelong.
In 1961, the Motor Boating Act was proclaimed.
On the 7th of February 1964, "The Motor Boating Squad" commenced duty, comprising I Senior Sergeant, I Sergeant, and 10 Senior Constables.
The first VP01 was quickly replaced a few years later with a Bartender, this for many years was the only vessel in the squad to be fitted with RADAR.
The BARTENDER, a boat first used for U.S. Coast Guard service in the Pacific, a safe, and economical rough water boat which has been recognized worldwide for use in a variety of demanding industries including the Alaska Oil Industry.
The BARTENDER, a boat first used for U.S. Coast Guard service in the Pacific, a safe, and economical rough water boat which has been recognized worldwide for use in a variety of demanding industries including the Alaska Oil Industry.
Reginald Jackson VP01 52' Built in Tasmania powered by Ford Clay Engines
In the early part of the 70s the Squad was upgraded with two Savage Lancers VP02 and VP03
In 1980 the Squad was renamed to the Water Police Squad (WPS). Two new vessels manufactured locally were commissioned to replace the Savage Lancers, built in Williamstown the 30' Kayfers were commssioned VP02 and VP03.
VP02 and VP03 - 30' Kayfers - Early 80s
The Gippsland Water Police was formed in April of 1985 becoming the first de-centralised Water Police Unit out of Melbourne with office located on the Gippsland Lakes at Paynesville.
The founding members were Sergeant Richard Mostard and Senior Constable Tony Behan. The original complement of three was increased to five, Senior Constable Jenkin Steed and Sergeant Tony Wilson (OIC) continue to serve.
The original fleet of vessels comprised of a 23' Carribean and a RIB, the fleet was later upgraded to a 41 ft “Noosa Cat”, (VP09) a 7.47 metre “Bass Strait”, a 5.5 metre Rigid Hull Inflatable (VP08) and a 4.2 metre IRB. In 2014 GWP commissioned VP09 a 14.8 metre alloy twin hull vessel powered by Hamilton Waterjets.
GWP are able to cover most situations but rely greatly on the volunteer network to make the regional Search and Rescue Response work smoothly and efficiently.
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/0/0/140031281/wed-policehonors_orig.jpg)
Gippsland Water Police officers have been honoured for their bravery during the Black Summer Bushfires. Pictured are Senior Constable Tara Manson, Leading Senior Constables Jenkin Steed, Graham Shoobert, Mick Newstead, Sergeant Tony Wilson, Leading Senior
Constables Glenn Powell and Glenn Mackenzie. (PS)
Picture courtesy Bairnsdale Advertiser
In 2002 both the Water Police and the Search and Rescue Squads relocated to a joint facility at Williamstown.
The Water Police Squad currently forms part of the Specialist Response Division within Transit & Public Safety Command. The Water Police Squad Melbourne manages regional offices at Gippsland and Benalla.
In 2017 the Marine Investigation Unit was established,
The Water Police Squad is a highly trained, well-equipped unit that monitors and works in all of Victoria's waterways and provides a valuable safety and when necessary, rescue role,