Indianapolis, Indiana - November 2005
They work in contaminated waters including diesel fuel and gasoline, experience hypothermia, pull out sunken bulldozers (see page 4), cars (60 this year), and even phone booths all while wearing up to 100 pounds of equipment. That's the fun part. This team of 22 trained divers also has the sometimes gruesome task of recovering victims of drowning. And all of this is performed voluntarily. Yes, these Indianapolis Police Department (IPD) personnel with over 180 years of combined diving experience, receive no extra pay in their low-profile roles. According to 32-year diver and Dive Commander Sergeant Terry Hall, "they do it because it's one more way to serve the community."

History of IPD Scuba Team
The IPD Scuba team has been serving the Marion County area since 1968. The death of an officer's son due to drowning led to its creation. The diverse team, all Marion County residents, serve in a variety of roles within the IPD ranging from Community Relations to Narcotics. They also liaison with divers from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and gun investigations with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Their services include evidence searches (e.g. guns, knives, safes, cash boxes), vehicle tows, pursuing suspects escaping via water, rescue and recovery, and presidential details (bomb sweeps under bridge pilings).

Becoming a Diver
Becoming a Scuba team member is no small feat. Candidates are presented before the Dive Control Board, complete a written evaluation, participate in a physical agility test, and perform practical water training drills. If they make it through all of this, they are enrolled in a 30-day training class. Once they are accepted to the team, training dives occur monthly.

Drowning Prevention
One of the team's primary focuses is to prevent drowning. However, in the event of a drowning, their goal is to recover the victim in the most dignified manner possible. "Ninety percent of all drownings could have been prevented," states Hall. Public Safety Director Robert Turner is adamant about prevention, often appearing at the accident scenes. He has encouraged the Scuba team to be heavily involved in community education by providing drown-proofing programs and water safety tips. "One of the biggest takers of children's lives are retention ponds", says Hall. "They have been a huge problem." A drowning simulation video was made to bring home the message of staying clear of unauthorized swimming holes such as these. The video has been shown on Indianapolis cable channel 16 on a regular basis. Members of the Scuba team in each of the 5 IPD districts participate in community days to educate children on the risks. Enforcement has also been beefed up for swimmers at banned water areas with tickets being issued and parents being called to pick up their children. "Unless it hits you in the pocketbook, people aren't paying attention," says Hall.

Health and Wellness
The rigors these divers endure can take a toll on their minds and bodies. To counteract this, the City provides After-Incident opportunities with personnel trained in grief counseling. Additionally, annual physicals are required. These evaluations are specifically geared toward divers, evaluating all the body systems, especially those most affected by their work. They include complete physicals and a treadmill evaluation. Several personnel have been able to address serious conditions. "The education we receive on how to correct bad habits is superb," says Hall. "We are taking a preventive, proactive approach."

Click here for the IPD Scuba Team newsletter article.

For more information on the IPD Scuba Team, visit online by clicking here.

© 2006 Public Safety Medical Services