A Deep Dive into FCPD’s Underwater Team

Fairfax County, VA – When evidence sinks beneath the surface, FCPD’s Dive Team is ready to jump in and bring it back to light.

Who We Are

The Dive Team is a specialized, non-standing unit, comprised of 10 dedicated officers and a single supervisor. Since its inception in the mid-1980s, the Dive Team has been equipped and trained to perform vital underwater operations, providing crucial support in investigations where underwater searches and recoveries are necessary.

Mission and Operations

The Dive Team is called into action to assist with a wide range of cases, including homicides, shootings, drownings, and vehicle recoveries. When the team’s unique skills and knowledge are deemed essential, they dive into action to aid in the investigation of underwater crime scenes or to retrieve evidence.

Equipment and Training

Each diver is equipped with a Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA) and additional gear tailored to the specific conditions of each dive.

Dive Team members undergo rigorous and ongoing training to meet the unique challenges of underwater environments. This includes training in low visibility conditions, use of dry suits for contaminated waters, rescue diver techniques, underwater communication, and specialized search and recovery methods.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our website to learn more about joining FCPD.

Join us on Neighbors by Ring. A place where you can connect with your neighbors, see what’s happening in your neighborhood, and share any available surveillance footage with our department.

For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook, and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.