Barney Fife Takes to the Water

It's pure luck that nobody was hurt or killed. I trained my teenage daughters to operate a boat safely. I would expect at least as much from "the protectors" ...somebody needs to get busted down to meter maid.

I used to dock just opposite the launch ramp. One Saturday while I was on the boat the local police department boat (26' walk around w/twin 300 hp o/b) was being launched by the officers who were patrolling that day.
They decided to be cool and just back it in without a bowline or anything to secure it to the trailer while they steamed down the ramp. Well of course they dropped the boat on the cement ramp, the o/b's weren't all the way up so they smacked them as well.
Here's the best part, they got out of the truck looked around and then winched the boat back on the trailer. Once done they backed it down, launched and left for patrol as if the whole thing never happened. LMAO because we all know it never made it into the reports for the day.
To protect and serve I think they say.

I am ashamed to say, the local water weenies embarrass themselves regularly here in Jax. One example; near same drill; Unknown emergency, call never confirmed, boat load of cops punch the throttles, hit a bridge (I-95) before the bow came back down. Boat destroyed in seconds.
Pilot gets blamed, he sues fl state & fed for un-lit bridge. No more coverage and news black out. Think suit is still on going.

And local news has lost their archives, Ua Uh.

Two Marine police officers seriously injured [Archive] - Police Forums & Law Enforcement Forums @ Officer.com is only link I could find.

Not the FWC or USCG, but Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, Marine Posy are worse than the red necks, drunks and SFBs they try to corral and heard up. The antics I have witnessed myself are hilarious. When I see the local cops on the water, I try to get my camera ready but always miss the shot.

It's bad enough when the cops destroy an equipped car not on duty or in pursuit (for real), but very often hot dawg and destroy the boats assigned to them. Can the citizens sue the officer/person for damages?

I won't be personally able to sue the cops. My hopes are that somewhere the officers have to pay back for the equipment they damage during their stupid pet tricks and antics. Maybe arrest & charge the jerk as he would a private citizen.
There was no excuse for that DC collision, hot dawg screwed up and sank a boat. As in Jax during the stupid bowl, more damage on the water involving police boats that week than all others tell ya something.

The voters of this town seem to be cleaning some house. New mayor helping also (for a change). Old sheriff's budget was cut again.

Then there are days I wish I was a cop; Big gun, badge, attitude, ticket book, somebody else's car or boat. (well I have 2 of 5).