Underwater Search & Recovery

For years there was a need for Underwater Search and Recovery unit within the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. This need was identified because of the geographic location of the county and the problems associated with using civilian divers. The USRT was started and began diving as a team in 2001.

The Diving Environment

It cannot be emphasized strongly enough that Law Enforcement diving is not the same as sports diving! There are many facets related to the environment surrounding a Law Enforcement dive operation. Deep cold water, zero visibility and polluted waters are the norm, not the exception. No longer is there crystal clear water, beautiful corals and abundant marine life. The aquarium environment quickly turns into a black menacing atmosphere. In addition, law enforcement divers must converse with the families of victims, the media and often coordinate their efforts with other agencies. Law Enforcement divers must also consider availability of resources, depths, times, air pressure, search patterns, and chain of evidence. The list seems to be endless. All of the above factors, and some others, make up the Law Enforcement diving environment.

Team Members and Qualifications

There are currently 6 members of the USRT, all of which are full-time law enforcement officers. We currently have 2 members from the Perry Police Department. These team members receive no extra pay and serve on an on-call status. Team members are accountable to the Sheriff through the Uniform Patrol Division Supervisor.

All members are required to hold a minimum of an Open Water Certification from any nationally recognized diver organization. Current members of the USRT all hold at a minimum an Advanced Open Water Certification and others are attended specialized underwater Law Enforcement related classes. Two of this type classes are Underwater Port Security and Explosive Recognition, and Underwater Police Science and Technology Course.

Types of Diving Operations

Drowning Investigation, homicides involving water, weapon recovery, suicides involving water, auto crashes that involve water, auto thefts disposed of in water, boating crash investigation (assisting FWC), recovery of stolen property, just to name a few.

The team also responds to special community needs, and requests for assistance from other Law Enforcement agencies. The team is highly skilled in the dark water environment and always takes a safety first attitude. The USRT does not participate in recoveries made from inside of underwater caves.

Types of Equipment

The team has a 13 foot enclosed trailer that houses all of its equipment. Some of the items at the team’s disposal are: Dry suits, Aga full face mask, underwater communication, shore to diver communication, underwater camera with infrared lighting, underwater 35 mm camera, various anchor points, various search lines and a dehumidifier for drying equipment.