Port Police Keep Our Waterfront Safe and Secure

Port Police Keep Our Waterfront Safe and Secure

March 27, 2026

Our Port of Galveston Police Department does a remarkable job of handling a complex operation. Headed by Chief Kenneth Brown, our staff of 48 is responsible for public safety and security at a busy, 840-acre port with almost 1,000 ship calls, thousands of workers and almost 4 million cruise passenger movements a year.

Chief Brown, who has 30 years of law enforcement experience, oversees the 24/7 operation with four shifts of law enforcement officers and dispatchers. 

While we deal with many of the crime prevention and law enforcement issues that you find in any city, our officers receive specialized training to respond to situations unique to ports. 

Officers are involved in almost all aspects of daily port operations. They’re responsible for enforcing state and federal laws and ensuring port security. They also monitor and assist with entry to secured areas, meet with the captains of arriving ships to review regulations and security directives, facilitate cargo movements, and monitor port facilities for safety and environmental hazards.

In 2025, they handled 49,022 calls for service, ranging from parking violations, contraband offenses and public intoxication to assaults and thefts.  

The Guest Relations Business

By far, ensuring public safety at North America’s fourth busiest cruise port is the task that keeps our officers most busy. Many of the laws that apply to air travel apply to cruise travel. We want to remind passengers that traveling with marijuana, ammunition or firearms, even with a concealed carry license, is not allowed. We want every cruise passenger to have a great experience as they travel through the port and encourage them to be aware of and follow the law.

Port Marine Division

What would a port police department be without a Marine Division? Specially trained port police crew the Clay Garrison, a 31-foot police boat equipped with state-of-the-art navigational and rescue equipment. Officers patrol Galveston Harbor, escort vessels embarking and debarking from the port, conduct waterside pier sweeps to ensure port security and safety, and assist with search and rescue missions in the Galveston area. 

Tightening Port Security

Working with the port’s Security Department, port police play an important role in enforcing maritime security laws. Ports were required to conduct vulnerability assessments and develop security plans that include passenger, vehicle and baggage screening procedures; security patrols; restricted areas; personnel identification procedures; access control measures; and surveillance equipment.  

A Public Safety & Security Network

We also closely coordinate with local, state and federal agencies. These include the U.S. Coast Guard, FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Galveston County Sheriff’s Department, and city of Galveston police, fire and emergency medical services.

Our port police operate at the highest law enforcement standards, including accreditation through the voluntary Law Enforcement Best Practices program established by the Texas Police Chiefs Association.

I’m proud of the work these unsung heroes do to keep our port, its thousands of workers and its millions of guests safe and secure. Go blue!

Rodger Rees is Galveston Wharves port director and CEO.