New river patrol boat from feds to aide homeland security

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The Jackson County Sheriff's Office put its newest tool in the water as deputies will now add 90 miles of the Missouri River to their patrols.

A jet-powered river boat provided with federal funds through the U.S. Coast Guard and Homeland Security will help deputies patrol 'highly valued assets' along the river between Parkville and Sibley.

Jackson County Sheriff Mike Sharp said he wasn't at liberty to say how many assets that stretch includes but did say they will be patrolling to prevent any terrorist activity.

"There isn't any reason to think that there will be," Sharp said, "but better to be safe than sorry."

The powerful boats will also be able to help with out  of control barges and could even be capable of holding a barge against the river's current.

Sharp said he and the several other agencies involved do want the public's help keeping vigilant. Any suspicious activity on the water should be reported by calling 877-24-WATCH OR 877-249-2824.