The Park Board Police Department works alongside the Galveston Island Beach Patrol (GIBP) to bolster beach safety efforts. It operates under the GIBP umbrella, aiming to broaden GIBP's lifesaving mission and aid lifeguard operations.
Its focus is on enforcing beach and water-related laws that may not receive sufficient attention from the Galveston Police Department (GPD) due to time, manpower, or specialized skills constraints. Importantly, the Park Board Police Department doesn't replace GPD duties but supplements them, especially regarding beach and marine responsibilities.
Officers of the Park Board Police Department are trained as surf lifeguards and medics, with expertise in Marine Safety Enforcement, Tourism Ambassadors, Swift Water Response, personal watercraft rescue, and SCUBA operations. They also assist in promoting beach tourism, safeguarding the environment, and supporting lifeguards.
The overarching aim is to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for both tourists and locals at Galveston's beaches, ultimately enhancing the overall visitor experience.
