Dive Team
Established in the 1960s, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team provides specialized underwater search and recovery services throughout Fresno County. The team was formed in response to the region’s numerous lakes, rivers, canals, reservoirs and other waterways.
Today, the Dive Team consists of 17 specially trained members who maintain readiness to respond to water-related incidents on short notice. Its primary mission is to conduct underwater search and recovery operations involving victims, evidence and other submerged property. The team also performs underwater investigations and evidence recovery at crime scenes, as well as certain search and recovery missions involving non-evidentiary property when requested and authorized. The team may also assist allied public safety agencies through mutual-aid requests.
Team members are trained to operate in a variety of challenging environments. This includes:
• Advanced-altitude locations exceeding 5,000 feet above sea level
• Deep water, swift water currents, cold water, low- or zero-visibility conditions and nighttime operations.
Team members have the following specialized capabilities:
• Light-salvage operations using lift bags
• Portable and underwater sonar or locating systems
• Underwater communications and full-face masks
• Underwater metal detectors
• Underwater video systems
• Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs).
To maintain operational readiness and proficiency, Dive Team members participate in formal training once each month. Training includes classroom instruction, pool exercises, open-water dives, physical-fitness assessments, underwater search techniques, equipment proficiency, rescue-diver skills, evidence recovery and coordinated multi-agency operations.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team remains committed to conducting safe, professional and thorough underwater search and recovery operations while serving the residents of Fresno County and supporting public safety partners throughout the region.
