NCJ Number
176274
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 25 Issue: 11 Dated: November 1998 Pages: 28-30-34
Date Published
1998
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The experience of the Montgomery County (Md.) Underwater Rescue Team (MCURT) exemplifies the role of public safety divers involved with search and recovery of drowning victims and collection of physical evidence; the underwater setting has unique characteristics that complicate investigations and the efficient collection and handling of evidence.
Abstract
MCURT was created in 1993 to conduct the search and rescue of victims in water; the search, recovery, and preservation of criminal evidence; and the creation and implementation of water safety programs pertaining to the aquatic environment in Montgomery County. Both paid and volunteer personnel must obtain a certain level of training and have an open-water diver certification. The majority of their calls are geared toward helping police agencies recover evidence such as ditched vehicles, weapons, and sometimes bullets or shell casings. The lack of visibility complicates both searches and photography. Underwater scenes are inherently dangerous to the investigator. Public pressure from family members or the media often complicates the efforts. Many tasks are unique to the underwater situation, while others are identical to those performed on land. Photographs and discussions of specific techniques