NCJ Number
201161
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 51 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2003 Pages: 109-112
Date Published
June 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes the services of the Trident Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization created to assist public safety agencies with aquatic investigations and recoveries.
Abstract
The Trident Foundation provides support for law enforcement agencies whose limited budgets cannot provide for the equipment and highly trained personnel needed for investigative and recovery operations under water. The Trident staff includes law enforcement, fire-service, and military personnel, as well as industry representatives who are well-trained professionals in aquatic operations and investigations. Founded 11 years ago, Trident has been called upon by agencies across the United States, as well as Canada and other foreign countries. Missions have included searching for victims of aquatic accidents and the location and recovery of evidence. Mission specialists are also called upon for operational and consulting support. When a mutual-aid request is received, the Trident Foundation first determines whether the mission falls within its scope of experience and abilities. If the mission request is accepted, the membership roster is reviewed, and members are selected based on their skills and level of experience. Search operations always use technologies before using divers, thus reducing the risk factors for personnel. Technologies include the use of sonar images from several approach angles. If a target is within the necessary parameters, video and still cameras are used for additional information and confirmation. Some cameras are attached to a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), which can be controlled from the surface. This article describes a recent Trident operation that involved assisting several law enforcement agencies in Northern California in a search for evidence involved in multiple cases.