Sussex Police Specialist Search Unit
Sussex
Police Specialist Search Unit (SSU) is responsible for all searches
where additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required, the
team consists of eight officers and the SSU will carry out searches
where other police officers cannot or will not search.
The Specialist Search Unit will be attending the
Eastbourne 999 Event and will be demonstrating how we dive and what
equipment we use. You may get a chance to play noughts and crosses with
our divers whilst they dive in the tank!
The Unit will bring the dive lorry along so look
out for the big yellow lorry….
The Specialist Search Unit has expertise in the search and recovery
of:
- Missing Persons
- Stolen property and
vehicles
- Weapons and firearms
- Drugs
The team is also qualified to locate and identify
improvised explosive devices and their component parts.
In more detail some of the above specialist
procedures can be defined as follows:
- Underwater search – The SSU are all
fully qualified to dive in any body of water up to 50 metres deep
including rivers, canals, lakes, ponds, ditches and costal areas and
can assist with the search and recovery of almost anything in this
environment.
- Major crime and general search - The team is trained and
highly experienced in conducting searches at serious incidents. In
addition the SSU is also able to assist with searches and
search warrants for drugs and property.
- Confined space entry and search – The SSU is equipped and
trained to search confined spaces (which can include basements,
tunnels, sewers and wells) for property relating to crime or for the
purpose of a counter terrorism or missing person search
- Roped intervention and working at height – All members of
the Unit are trained to work at height (any height over 2 metres).
This would include searching the roofs or sides of buildings or
structures for evidence, property, persons or explosives as well as
gaining access to places at height should the need arise.
- Swift water operations - Should there be an incident
where there are floods or an environment where there is fast flowing
water, the SSU has the training and equipment to assist other
services where necessary. Ensuring the safety and welfare of the
public and colleagues.
- Marine capability – The SSU has two rigid inflatable
boats which are both used in support of inland diving operations.
The larger boat is capable of marine patrol up to the 12 mile
territorial policing limit.
