Police diver

Written by Charlotte Boan Thursday, 29 May 2008 00:00

His police diving application was accepted after seven years as a bobby on the beat.

Salary range: It’s the same wage structure as for police officers. The salary is about £30,000, depending on length of service and position.

Skills/qualifications needed: At least two years in the police force working on the beat, and recognised HSE diving qualifications completed over eight weeks at one of the country’s two police diver training schools. To become a diving supervisor, police divers must complete another three weeks of training, followed by a refresher course every three years.

What the job involves: Diving and forensics. The team is on call 24/7 and could be called to all parts of the country to search for and recover something. This includes recovery of firearms or objects used in murders and other serious crimes. It’s not all about recovering bodies, but it is something you have to do – often in tough diving conditions.

Best part of the job: Diving! If you are in a search area and find what you are looking for, that’s the best – because you are close to solving the crime. If you find a body, you also know that friends and family will be able to mourn their loss properly.

Worst part of the job: Dealing with bodies and the emotions that you have to manage. Some bodies are badly decomposed and that can be frightening.

Advice to jobseekers: You must work well in a team as you rely heavily on each other. Also, you need to be prepared for your family and social life to be disrupted on a regular basis.