The Underwater Dive Unit (UDU) has the responsibility for:
Investigations of underwater crime scenes in the City of Los Angeles
Search and Recovery of property and related criminal evidence
Recovery of lost or stolen property
Underwater photography and video documentation
Body recoveries
Narcotic or Bomb vessel hull searches
Removal of conditions that pose a threat to life and property, or where City liability exits
Other duties as directed by the appropriate authority
The UDU Resources are available 24 hours a day seven days a week. Requests can currently be made through the Department Command Post. The UDU Equipment includes Individual and team SCUBA equipment, Underwater communications system, Metal detectors, Sophisticated navigation equipment, Underwater video and still cameras, Evidence documentation, recovery and storage equipment, Climbing Gear Lift bags and salvage equipment and Dry suits for hazardous material dives. Officers respond on a Callout Basis 24 hours 7 days a week and train one day each Deployment Period.
The UDU is made up of the following personnel:
1 Lieutenant
4 Sergeants
20 Police Officers and Detectives
The UDU responds to the following:
Emergency callouts (immediate need to save life).
Clear a submerged car.
Look for a possible drowning victim when SCUBA is needed (Investigative / Recovery).
Underwater crime scene investigations.
Hull searches.
The UDU Boat Support includes:
24 foot Rigid Inflatable Boat. Powered by a 1 turbo diesel engine
(4) 18 foot inflatable Raider Boats. Powered by 35 H.P. outboard engines
(1) 8 foot inflatable boat. Powered by a 15 H.PM Yamaha outboard engine
Underwater Dive Unit Photos>
inside the lapd 
