Introduction
Lincolnshire Police is one of the few Forces in the region to retain the capability to carry out it's own Underwater Operations. The Force also carries out a number of operations for neighbouring Forces.
The Force covers almost 100 miles of coastline, tidal and freshwater rivers, docks at Boston, Fossdyke and Sutton Bridge as well as miles of canals, drainage dykes, innumerable small ponds, flooded brick and gravel pits, reservoirs and flood areas.
In addition to weekly training sessions, the unit undertakes an average of 50 operations each year in the County.
Equipment
The unit has a 7.5 ton Iveco diesel lorry with a specially fitted body which contains a changing area, cooking facilities, heater, shower, toilet and storage space for the equipment of up to nine divers.
Two boats are towed, one inflatable, and a rigid one which has a front dropping bow for easy access to, and exit from the water.
The Divers
The Police Officers who are members of the Underwater Search Unit are all Operational Officers
They are required to undergo an annual medical to ensure they are fit to dive, and must complete various courses at one of the National Police Diving Schools. The duties undertaken by the unit can vary from searching for stolen goods or evidence disposed of in water, to the search for and recovery of bodies.
