Security at the Waterfront?

Since the events of 9/11 and the creation of Homeland Security this agency of the government has attempted to police ports of entry into the United States of America. This is an overwhelming task considering the thousands of miles of land and coast that has to be policed. Thus including hundreds of commercial points of entry such as the import/export cargo ship container docks of the Los Angeles Harbor.

The presence of Homeland Security at the Waterfront is something that has appeared in the last few years but has appeared with increasing force. The waters around some of these dock, which in Los Angeles are a combination of Long Beach, Wilmington and San Pedro, are now heavily more patrolled than in the past.

Many individuals from different parts of the Los Angeles County come to this area during the weekends to charter a quick cruise or take out their own boats unaware of many of the laws and rules that may work against them and their excursion. As many involuntarily find out when they travel too close to the docks and their cargo ships. Pictured above, these individuals where stopped for testing out their speed boat too close to the docks, they were detained for some time by the Harbor Patrol. It is unclear if they were let off with a warning or fined. This image can be seen more often and is having a negative impact as less private boats are seen in the water. Part of the Los Angeles Harbors appeal is not only to sail freely but to be able to view this amazing industry of the ports up close and at work.