Police diving

Police diving is a branch of professional diving carried out by police services. Police divers, also known as water police and police frogmen, are police officers who are trained in scuba diving or underwater diving, and conduct underwater searches for evidence or bodies to assist in investigations.

History

The history of police diving dates back to the early 20th century when police forces began to use divers for underwater investigations. The first recorded police diver was a Frenchman named Eugene Vidocq who used a diving bell in the early 1800s to recover stolen goods dumped in the Seine River.

Training

Police divers undergo rigorous training to become proficient in underwater search and recovery. This training includes scuba diving and underwater diving techniques, underwater crime scene investigation, and the use of specialized equipment such as underwater cameras and metal detectors.

Roles and Responsibilities

The primary role of a police diver is to conduct underwater searches for evidence in criminal investigations. This can include searching for weapons, stolen property, or the bodies of missing persons. Police divers may also be called upon to assist in rescue operations, such as the recovery of individuals from submerged vehicles.

Equipment

Police divers use a variety of equipment in their work, including scuba gear, diving suits, underwater cameras, metal detectors, and underwater communication devices. The specific equipment used can vary depending on the nature of the investigation and the conditions of the dive.

Risks and Challenges

Police diving is a physically demanding and potentially dangerous job. Divers must contend with a variety of hazards, including strong currents, poor visibility, and the risk of decompression sickness. In addition, the nature of their work often requires them to dive in contaminated or hazardous environments.

See Also

• Underwater Crime Scene Investigation
• Search and Rescue Diving
• Commercial Diving