Marine Patrol, Underwater Search

MARINE PATROL, UNDERWATER SEARCH AND RESCUE, SEARCH AND RESCUE

WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE

Waterways in Fairfax County are often void of light and visibility, and contain significant underwater debris and hazards. The Underwater Search and Rescue Unit (USRU) trains in these waterways so they are well prepared when duty calls.

The USRU has been successful in recovering evidence in as little as 18 inches of water and as deep as 100+ feet of water.

BACKPACKS FROM BOATERS

The Marine Patrol Unit (MPU) patrols nearly 80 miles of Fairfax County shoreline. This year the FCPD MPU expanded their efforts onto dry land, co-sponsoring the Boaters for Backpacks event with local marinas, and Vellum Mortgage, to collect backpacks for Fairfax County Public School students. The MPU shared information about the program on ESPN radio. In total, 250 backpacks were collected from six marinas and distributed across Fairfax County.

ASSISTING THE MISSING

The FCPD Search and Rescue Team helps search for missing people, looks for evidence, and provides mutual aid to surrounding jurisdictions.

Adjusting to the changing needs of our aging population, the Search and Rescue Team operates under the Major Crimes Bureau allowing for close collaboration with the Missing Persons Unit.