Baywatch: It's Not What It's Cracked Up To Be — GMP#216

Published on January 5, 2024
Duration: 33:13

This episode of the Guns Magazine Podcast features Susie Huntington, a former San Diego PD Beach Enforcement Team officer, detailing the realities of policing the beach. Contrary to the 'Baywatch' stereotype, the role involved significant law enforcement duties, including dealing with drunks, transients, fights, and enforcing city codes. The job demanded high physical fitness due to extensive patrol on ATVs, bikes, and foot, often in challenging conditions. The discussion highlights the stark difference between public perception and the actual demanding nature of beach patrol work.

Quick Summary

The San Diego PD Beach Enforcement Team operated year-round, with increased staffing during summer months to manage the influx of people. During winter, the team focused on managing the transient population and ensuring property owners in the harbor area were not disturbed. Officers wore 'sporti shorts' in summer and khaki pants in winter, maintaining a high level of physical fitness due to extensive patrol on ATVs, bikes, and foot across sandy terrain.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to Guns Magazine Podcast
  2. 00:31Sponsor Message: Four Patriots
  3. 01:11Guest Introduction: Susie Huntington
  4. 01:31Baywatch vs. Beach Patrol Reality
  5. 02:22Summer vs. Winter Beach Patrol
  6. 04:03Weekend Parties and Physical Fitness
  7. 04:40Beach Patrol Uniforms
  8. 06:03Winter Uniforms and Bloused Boots
  9. 06:50Anecdote: Beer Dumped on Officer
  10. 07:23Geographic Scope of Beach Patrol
  11. 08:26Over The Line Tournament
  12. 09:11Miss Mission Beach Contest
  13. 10:39Flashing for a Free T-Shirt
  14. 11:16A Typical Beach Patrol Day
  15. 12:36Enforcing Drug Laws and City Codes
  16. 13:37Vendor Permits and Enforcement
  17. 14:17Negativity and Tolerance Levels
  18. 14:33Drunken Sailors and Bar Incidents
  19. 15:31Dealing with Shore Patrol and Navy
  20. 17:06Prisoner Transport and Efficiency
  21. 17:21Working with a Partner
  22. 17:45Harbor Team vs. Beach Team Roles
  23. 18:00Beach Patrol on the Water
  24. 19:13Interesting Beach Calls and Seals
  25. 19:50Gang Fight at Belmont Park
  26. 21:38Reverse Restraint Technique
  27. 22:00Physical Toll of Beach Patrol
  28. 22:16Action-Packed Patrol Experience
  29. 22:33Physical Conditioning from Patrol
  30. 23:21Transient Population Issues
  31. 24:33Societal Views on Transients
  32. 25:26Encounters with Naked Individuals
  33. 26:01Concert Venue Nakedness Anecdote
  34. 26:28Finding Bodies on Patrol
  35. 26:46Crimes Fueled by Substance Abuse
  36. 27:03Parking Issue Complaints
  37. 27:34Reality vs. Stereotype of Beach Cops
  38. 28:00Escalation of Beach Incidents
  39. 29:01Comparison to Game Warden Patrols
  40. 29:42Enjoyment and Duration of Beach Team
  41. 30:11Value of Beach Patrol Experience
  42. 30:28Fascinating Insights from Patrol
  43. 31:10Guest's Background and Current Life
  44. 31:39Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery
  45. 32:07Concluding Remarks
  46. 32:15Sponsor Reminder: Four Patriots
  47. 32:43Podcast Outro and Sign-off

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary focus of the San Diego PD Beach Enforcement Team during the winter months?

During the winter, the San Diego PD Beach Enforcement Team focused on managing the transient population and ensuring property owners in the harbor area were not disturbed. They also responded to weekend parties and disturbances, maintaining a year-round presence.

How did the uniform for the San Diego Beach Patrol differ between summer and winter?

In the summer, officers wore 'sporti shorts' and white sneakers for comfort and mobility. During the winter months, they transitioned to khaki canvas pants, maintaining a professional appearance while adapting to cooler weather.

What kind of calls did the San Diego Beach Patrol typically handle during the busy summer season?

Summer patrol was characterized by a high volume of calls, including managing large parties, responding to incidents involving intoxicated individuals, and addressing disturbances. Officers also dealt with individuals claiming ownership of beach areas.

Did the San Diego Beach Patrol work with the Navy's Shore Patrol?

Yes, the San Diego Beach Patrol occasionally interacted with the Navy's Shore Patrol. While Shore Patrol primarily operated on Navy bases, they would sometimes send a van to offload drunken sailors, or beach patrol officers would transport them to the Recruit Depot or their ships.

How did the reality of San Diego beach patrol compare to the 'Baywatch' stereotype?

The reality was far more demanding and less glamorous than 'Baywatch.' Beach patrol officers were full-fledged law enforcement, dealing with serious issues like fights, substance abuse, and crime, requiring constant physical readiness and a different approach than depicted on television.

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