If you can’t wait for the next episode of your favorite law enforcement television show, and if you like to dive, a career as a police diver might be an excellent way to make your interests pay off. Not only can you serve the public and feel great about the work you’re doing every day, you can earn a competitive salary and take advantage of excellent benefits. There are challenges along the way, but if you’re ready, willing, and able to take them on, you could enjoy an amazing career.
Background and Training
In order to work as a police diver, you will not only need to be a qualified diver, usually with a variety of technical, rescue, and equipment certifications, you will need to be qualified to work as a police officer. While different departments have different requirements, all police officers must meet certain standards.
First, candidates must pass written and physical tests to be considered for entrance into police academies. Some departments have their own academies and provide paid training, while others require applicants to pay for their own academy training. Second, background checks are a must. Expect to undergo a lengthy process in which your entire life is taken into account; if you have ever tried recreational drugs, received traffic citations, or spent a night in jail, be prepared to discuss these incidents in an open, honest manner. While officers conducting background checks are willing to take immaturity and mistakes into account, lying is never acceptable; if candidates are found lying to background investigators, they are shown the door.
Once background checks have been conducted, and basic police academy has been completed, new police officers must normally undergo a period of on the job training in which they learn about police policies and procedures. This usually involves time spent in a variety of patrol situations, plus at least a little time in a dispatch center, even if it is only for orientation. Once you’ve spent some time on the job, usually six months to a year, your period of probationary employment will be up, and you’ll then be free to continue working toward your goal of becoming a police diver.
The Roles of Police Divers
Often, police divers wear a lot of different hats. In some areas, they serve an important role as search and rescue personnel, and in other areas they provide security, investigating underwater infrastructure to ensure it is not threatened by foreign or domestic terrorists. They often patrol waterways on specially equipped jetskis and boats, watching out for the safety of citizens and wildlife alike. In addition, they work to collect evidence when crimes have been committed; notorious murder cases have involved victims’ remains being stashed inside coolers, suitcases, and trunks, then disposed of underwater. Police divers have successfully recovered the remains, which have held important clues that have led to justice being served; in addition, bereaved families have been able to hold memorial services for their loved ones, thanks to the willingness of these divers to take on a gruesome yet necessary task.
In cases of insurance fraud and accidents which involve vessels, cars, motorcycles, and other property sinking, police divers sometimes take on the role of salvage divers, working to lift evidence to the surface. They work to prevent fish and shellfish poaching, and they keep an eye on the environment.
As a police diver, you might find yourself working for local, state, or federal government in a variety of roles. National parks police, state parks police, and local game enforcement officers often combine law enforcement roles with marine biology, spending time working to preserve the environment, while urban officers tend to deal with more emergencies and crime. If you’re ready for a challenging career, learn more about working as a police diver; the rewards are well worth the effort.