Mobile County Sheriff Goes Against the Grain Criticizing ALEA Troopers
MOBILE, Ala.
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media
April 11, 2025
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch is doing something that is seldom seen in the law enforcement community. Talking against and criticizing, the actions of another law enforcement agency.
He has come out publicly saying that the Alabama Marine Police are bullying and harassing boaters for extremely minor and subjective violations on the water.
Specifically, Burch is talking about infractions such as “No Wake Zone” violations where the captain of the boat is supposed to keep the vessel from throwing any water or creating waves in certain areas.
The sheriff, a boater himself, stated on a local radio show that he’s been hearing that ALEA troopers are being overly aggressive in their enforcement and
He feels so strongly about this issue that he has decided to put out commercials and advertisements advising boaters what they can do if they feel that they have been harassed by state marine police troopers.
“And I hate to be in opposition to another law enforcement officer,” says the sheriff, “but it’s also my position to protect people’s constitutional rights as well.”
Burch says he’s not calling out the entire agency and from he knows about the situation, it just involves some of the marine officers.
In response to the statement made concerning Troopers with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Marine Patrol Division “harassing” boaters, a representative for ALEA stated that it’s important to clarify the role and responsibility of the ALEA Marine Patrol Division. The primary mission of ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division is to ensure the safety and compliance of all individuals on Alabama’s waterways. This includes enforcing state laws that address critical issues such as boating under the influence (BUI), minor in possession of alcohol, and the enforcement of no-wake zones.
The enforcement of these laws is essential not only for protecting individuals from dangerous behaviors but also for fostering a safe and enjoyable environment for all who use Alabama’s waterways. It is important for the public to understand that the work of ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division is focused on safety, education, and law enforcement.
ALEA Marine Patrol Troopers are responsible for enforcing laws on Alabama’s waterways. Interactions between vessel operators and ALEA Troopers occur to ensure safety on the water and stops are made based upon reasonable suspicion or probable cause. If a vessel operator is stopped by an ALEA Marine Patrol Trooper, it’s because a violation has been observed, and they are taking action to address an issue in order to maintain and preserve public safety on Alabama waterways.
We encourage educational materials on boaters’ rights, as well as efforts to educate citizens on the laws of Alabama as it relates to boating and waterways. Boating rules and regulations can be found here: Boating Rules and Regulations | Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.
In Alabama, ALEA, and the US Coast Guard, have jurisdictions for investigating crimes and boating accidents, enforcing laws, and conducting search and rescue missions in the Gulf and most bodies of water in the Baldwin and Mobile County area.
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