The West Palm Beach Police Department established an Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team in 1979 for the purpose of safely conducting underwater search and recovery operations. At any time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, there are dive team members on duty and capable of responding to any dive emergency. Additionally, all members can respond as needed on a call out basis. It is also possible for the team members to respond county wide depending on the needs of the Department.

All members of the Dive Team are certified Police Officers who have received technical training in the areas of underwater search and black water diving and have attended the Underwater Police Science and Technology course. The dive team engages in specialized training to prepare for the many different conditions that may be encountered on a search. The Underwater Search and Recovery Dive Team maintains a high level of proficiency in its diving and search skills. The location and curriculum will vary for each training session. Because of Homeland Security issues we conduct operations in conjunction with other local, state and federal agencies which include operations at the Port of Palm Beach and operations with the US Navy.