Colorado River

The Colorado River Station covers the second largest geographical jurisdiction in San Bernardino County , and is considered the county's "East Coast." It extends from the State of Nevada south to the Riverside County line, and from Arizona , on the Colorado River , west to Kelbaker Road. The office can be found two miles south of the Colorado River on "J" Street in Needles, and is co-located with the Needles Police Department. The facility houses a 30 bed Type I jail facility, which takes in all arrestees from the Sheriff's Department, the California Highway Patrol, and all the other agencies that arrest under state law on the California side of the river.

There are satellite stations in Big River and Parker dam, a resident post at Havasu Landing, and a Water Safety Center at the county's Park Moabi Regional Park. Station personnel are responsible for law enforcement in over 5000 square miles of unincorporated area, as well as 90 miles of the Colorado River, which sees nearly 17 million visitors a year.

The Marine Enforcement Unit begins its busiest season with Spring Break and ends sometime after Labor Day. Obviously, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends are very taxing when officers throughout the county are brought in to help out. The focus of their efforts is geared toward educating the boating public, but much of their time is spent dealing with boaters who are driving under the influence. They have some of the top experts in the state who teach boating driving and safety to other law enforcement officers along with the public. Unfortunately, they end up investigating major boating accidents on the river, many of which are fatal. Things are looking up, however, as the number of Boating Under the Influence arrests and fatal accidents have gone down in recent years. The safety message is getting out.

The vast expanse of desert in the jurisdiction's western portion is home to Mitchell Caverns State Park and Mojave National Preserve. Several thousand people visit these, and other desert wonders, each year. The Search & Rescue units keep busy hunting for lost or injured hikers.

Three Indian tribes have reservations in the jurisdiction, and there is a casino at Havasu Landing. There is even a water taxi to ferry people from Lake Havasu City to the casino at the Landing. Additionally, each tribe offers other events each year that are open to the public.

The Bureau of Land Management has several areas that offer anything from primitive camping & hiking to developed resort areas and boat launch ramps.

Deputies from the Colorado River Station provide law enforcement to all these areas, and are proud to provide professional service to those who live in and visit the "East Coast" of San Bernardino County .

Don Miller
Captain




1111 Bailey Avenue
Needles, California
92363

Phone:
(760) 326-9200

Office Hours:
Open 24 Hours

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