All Coast Guard law enforcement training now in SC

NORTH CHARLESTON (AP) — All of the Coast Guard’s law enforcement training programs have now been consolidated in South Carolina.

Beginning Sept. 9, the vessel pursuit training program begins operating at the Maritime Law Enforcement Academy at the federal complex at the old Charleston Naval Base.

The training program was moved to North Charleston from Camp Lejeune, N.C. It’s the last of Coast Guard law enforcement training programs to be consolidated in South Carolina from various locations nationwide.

The vessel pursuit program trains Coast Guard personnel how to pursue and apprehend small boats that may be running drugs or dealing in human trafficking.

The new program means that people in the Charleston area may see more blue lights in the water as crews train as part of the new program.