The Allegheny Valley Regional Police Department, which serves communities along the Allegheny River northeast of Pittsburgh, plans to add a patrol boat to its operations this year using funding from a $125,000 federal grant.
Chief Michael Naviglia said the department is considering the purchase of a 21' rigid hull inflatable boat to support targeted water-based missions along the river corridor serving Cheswick, Springdale Township, and East Deer Township.
Dedicated police vessels are relatively uncommon in the area, where most river-related incidents are typically handled by local fire departments or by resources coordinated through county agencies. Department officials said the addition of a patrol boat would provide a more direct response capability along the department’s river frontage.
If acquired, the vessel would be used for mission-specific operations rather than routine patrols, supporting tasks such as search-and-rescue response, incident investigations, and other targeted enforcement activities on the river.
The department began researching the addition of a patrol boat in 2024, with funding for the purchase ultimately secured through a federal grant facilitated by U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania.
To prepare for water-based operations, officers plan to train with neighboring agencies including the Beaver Borough Police Department and Center Township Police Department in Beaver County, which jointly operate a patrol vessel. Training will also involve coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Pennsylvania State Police.
The department expects the vessel could enter service as early as this summer. In addition to the boat acquisition, the department is also researching the use of an unmanned aerial system to support river operations. Officials are still evaluating potential docking locations for the boat.
Local officials said the vessel would expand response capabilities for communities along the river corridor served by the department.
