The Underwater Search and Recovery Team
Primary Services
The Underwater Search and Recovery Team (USRT) is an auxiliary unit of the Savannah Police Department. As the largest team in coastal Georgia, USRT often offers public safety dive support to other local or federal law enforcement agencies. The mission of the team is to provide expert police diving services in response to water-related incidents to include searching for and recovering evidence, human remains, and submerged vehicles or objects.
Personnel
SPD’s Underwater Search and Recovery Team is open to Sworn Officers and Non-Sworn Forensic Investigators. The team holds annual tryouts for qualified personnel. Members of the USRT hold specialized dive certifications, to include:
- Rescue Diver
- Public Safety Diver
- Underwater Post Blast Diver
- Underwater Criminal Investigator
Equipment
The unit operates on open circuit SCUBA systems. USRT utilizes HAZMAT drysuits and full-face masks. The team is equipped for lifting up to 8,000 lbs.
The Dive Team is commanded by:
Lt. John Smith: jsmith01@savannahga.gov
Sgt. Braden Simmons: bsimmons@savannahga.gov
