LUMBERTON -- The North Carolina Marine Patrol is helping to keep the people of Lumberton safe in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

Marine Patrol officers, part of the state’s emergency response system, began providing law enforcement assistance in the flood-ravaged city on Tuesday. They will continue this service through the end of October.

The officers are providing security at emergency shelters, distribution facilities, the water treatment plant and other areas in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies.

The officers will rotate schedules to work a total of 54 shifts, each 12 hours long, before finishing their duties in Lumberton on Oct. 30.

Marine Patrol, the law enforcement section of the North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries, offers unique law enforcement capabilities in state emergencies, including knowledge and experience in using small vessels and four-wheel drive vehicles.