Water police station reinstated in Szczecin as Poland strengthens maritime security ahead of tourist season

After nearly two decades, Szczecin has re-established its water police station, strategically located on Bielawa Island. The official reopening took place on May 28, 2025, with the participation of Poland’s Minister of the Interior and Administration Tomasz Siemoniak, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure Arkadiusz Marchewka, West Pomeranian Voivode Adam Rudawski, Szczecin Mayor Piotr Krzystek, and National Police Chief Insp. Gen. Marek Boroń.

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28 may 2025   |   12:44   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

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The station’s revival reflects a broader commitment to improving water safety and operational readiness in key port cities. Its establishment comes just ahead of the high-traffic summer boating and tourism season.

– We all want our waters to be safe. A facility like this, especially in this location, is extremely important – particularly before the tourist season begins – Minister Siemoniak emphasized during the ceremony.

The minister highlighted the strategic nature of the move as part of Poland’s larger security modernization program.

– This is a step toward better protecting our citizens. This year’s police budget is a record-breaker – for the first time exceeding 20 billion złoty. Alongside large-scale equipment procurement, we are focused on supporting officers through improved service conditions and housing benefits. These measures are already in motion and will soon take the form of legislation – he added.

Siemoniak also referenced Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s recent announcement of a 13-billion-złoty allocation for further modernization of uniformed services, earmarked for facility upgrades, new stations, equipment, and personnel compensation.

– This is a serious mission for the police. Facilities like this, staffed by experienced officers trained in water operations and supported by the right equipment, are truly invaluable. We are ending a 20-year gap. I guarantee there will always be a water police station in Szczecin. No one will dare to shut it down again – the minister declared.

National Police Chief Insp. Gen. Marek Boroń emphasized the efficiency and determination behind the station’s reinstatement.

– Thank you for allowing me to be here and celebrate the reopening of Szczecin’s water police station. It is a crucial development. Our mission is to respond wherever safety is at risk – he stated.

A strategic facility for a maritime hub

Szczecin previously operated a dedicated water police unit – the Szczecin-Międzyodrze Police Station – which was dissolved on June 30, 2005. It was temporarily replaced by the Water and Waterfront Prevention Unit within the City Police until April 30, 2025.

Now, with the full reactivation of the Szczecin water police station under the jurisdiction of the Provincial Police Headquarters, the region sees a significant boost in its capacity to safeguard inland waterways and port areas. The station is equipped with specialized vessels and staffed by officers trained in maritime operations.

For a key port city like Szczecin, with its growing importance in logistics, tourism, and inland navigation, the presence of a dedicated water police force is more than symbolic – it’s a crucial element of Poland’s maritime security infrastructure.

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