The Melbourne Police Department Dive Rescue Unit team (DRT) is responsible for underwater investigations, evidence collection, victim rescue and recovery, conveyance recovery, and other waterborne police operations as required. Our DRT also provides water-related education to the public upon request.

Since 9-11, DRT has participated in several homeland security operations, including Operation Turbulent Trident, in which Melbourne assisted state and federal agencies in port security for both Port Canaveral in Brevard County and the Port of Miami. Melbourne Police Divers trained for the intense job of meticulously sweeping the hulls of ocean going vessels, including cruise vessels entering and departing Florida ports. The DRT also assisted the federal Secret Service in sweeping cruise ship hulls as part of presidential security.

The team has participated in multiple competitions, and on several occasions, has taken first place in the annual Public Safety Dive Competition held in Orlando each year. Officers are eligible to participate in the selection process to become part of the DRT after successfully completing their probationary periods. Officers are not required to be a certified diver to participate and the Department provides all equipment.

Melbourne Police Department rescues boaters from the Indian River Lagoon.

Melbourne Police Department rescues boaters from the

Melbourne Police Department rescues boaters from the Indian River Lagoon.
(Photo by Andrew Knapp, Florida Today)