Underwater Crime-Scene Response Part 1 of 2: Underwater Investigative Teams

• NCJ Number: 220008
• Journal: Evidence Technology Magazine Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: July-August 2007 Pages: 24-27
• Author(s): Aric Dutelle
• Date Published: July 2007
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Training
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In light of county and State agencies increased interest in implementing diver operational teams, this part 1 of a 2 part article reviews the team assessment, design, and implementation process in creating an underwater investigation team.

Abstract

There is a common misconception that submerged evidence lacks the forensic value of evidence found topside. There have been numerous cases where submerged items have yielded identifiable blood evidence, fingerprints, hair and fiber evidence, and other trace evidence. There are many merits and benefits to fielding an underwater investigation team; however doing it right requires extensive planning, administrative tasks, and budget considerations. The working environment for the underwater investigator consists of diving in a quarry, dirty river, raw-sewage facility, or a host of other less than hospitable environments. Depending on the location, there are volunteer teams, teams made up of fire and rescue personnel, law enforcement teams, and in some cases a collaboration of all of the above. There are many different theories and operational plans that outline the makeup of an underwater investigation team with the minimum requiring a team leader or commander, line tenders (above water eyes and ears for forensic divers), and divers (recommend a minimum of two). It is highly suggested that all members of an agency dive team be fulltime, trained members of that agency for liability, training, and policy and procedure purposes. Many times the required minimum certification is a recreational certification. All applicants should be required to pass a thorough and appropriate medical physical to verify their ability to perform tasks. It is important that members of the underwater investigation team be properly trained up front, and subsequently trained in matters of crime scene documentation and processing methods in an underwater environment.