The Regina Police Service Underwater Investigation and Recovery Team (UIRT) is made up of eight sworn officers. Their job is to take the Police Service’s jurisdiction and investigative function into an underwater environment. Police divers are also known as “Public Safety Divers”, and as such, are required to dive in situations and conditions that normal sports divers are not qualified to handle. Sport divers have the luxury of diving in good water and environmental conditions. The job of Police divers is to recover evidence and victims of in-water mishaps. Often this happens in hazardous and unfriendly environments.
Public Safety Divers all start off as sport divers and through constant upgrading, training and learning, become proficient in this type of advanced police operation. Members of the Regina Police Service UIRT have the following specialized courses and certifications:
Advanced Open Water Diving – Rescue Diver – Search and Recovery Diver – Evidence Recovery Diver – Wreck Diver -Drysuit Diver – Night Diver – Ice Diver – Ice Rescue Specialist – Medic Diver – Equipment Specialist Diver – Small Vessel Operator’s Course
The goal of the team is to have all of its members achieve the “Master Diver” level.
Currently the Regina Police Service UIRT has seven male members and one female member. Although individual experience and qualifications vary, the team functions as a close-knit group. Team members take great pride in their cooperative approach, recognizing individual strengths and abilities, within the framework of a team environment. All members participate in the organization and maintenance of the team.