FAQ's:
- Court Holidays 2019
- Does the Sheriff’s Office allow citizens to pick up dead deer that have been hit and killed by a car?
- Do you do fingerprint cards?
- How do I get a background/records check on myself?
- Do you accept stuffed animals?
- How do I take hunter safety classes?
- When I go on vacation, will the Douglas County Sheriff's Office check my home?
- How can I get a copy of an incident report?
- How can I get a copy of an accident report?
- Where do I go for a municipal traffic ticket?
- What are redemption rights?
- How do I know if I live in an area served by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office?
- My license tag was stolen. Now what?
- What's unusual about calling 9-1-1 from a cell phone?
- What's the difference between jail and prison?
- How do I obtain a copy of an arrest record or a background check?
- What is the difference between a sexual offender and a predator?
- What is the difference between a criminal case and a civil case?
- What are the Kansas child passenger safety requirements?
- How do I file a complaint against a Douglas County Sheriff's Office employee?
- How can I commend a Sheriff's Office employee for outstanding service?
Dive Team
Douglas County Underwater Search and Recovery Team
The Douglas County Underwater Search and Recovery Team, commonly referred to as the Dive Team, is responsible for responding to criminal related incidents involving bodies of water. The team is first and foremost utilized in its recovery capacity, which includes locating evidentiary items, removing the items, maintaining the evidence's integrity, and documentation for testimonial purposes.
The Dive Team operates under the direction of the Sheriff. The Operations Undersheriff oversees the daily operations of the team. The team is comprised of a team leader, certified divers, and surface support personnel.
The Dive Team is currently comprised of personnel from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Lawrence Police Department and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical.
The members are trained by a certified training facility in both recovery and rescue. Annual evaluations of each member's performance ensure the appropriate level of training is maintained to meet the Public Safety Diving's industry standards. Members are responsible for maintaining certifications and equipment.
Monthly training sessions may include the following specialties:
The Dive Team operates under the direction of the Sheriff. The Operations Undersheriff oversees the daily operations of the team. The team is comprised of a team leader, certified divers, and surface support personnel.
The Dive Team is currently comprised of personnel from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, Lawrence Police Department and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical.
The members are trained by a certified training facility in both recovery and rescue. Annual evaluations of each member's performance ensure the appropriate level of training is maintained to meet the Public Safety Diving's industry standards. Members are responsible for maintaining certifications and equipment.
Monthly training sessions may include the following specialties:
- Ice Diving
- Vehicle Recovery
- Recovering Victims of Water Related Incidents
- Underwater Crime Scene Investigations/Evidence Recovery
- Moving Water
- Boat Operations
- Diver Emergencies

Dive Team members provide public education on water safety and education about the team to groups in Douglas County. This allows the citizens to understand the abilities and operations of the team, the importance of water safety, along with being introduced to the Dive Team's protocols and equipment.
Mission Statement
The Douglas County Underwater Search and Recovery Team is committed to providing a safe, professional and effective service to the citizens of Douglas County and the State of Kansas. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest level of training available in the public safety diving community; while striving to grow with the needs of an expanding community.
Further information regarding national dive team organizations can be found at the following links:
International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists
Dive Rescue International
The Douglas County Underwater Search and Recovery Team is committed to providing a safe, professional and effective service to the citizens of Douglas County and the State of Kansas. We are dedicated to maintaining the highest level of training available in the public safety diving community; while striving to grow with the needs of an expanding community.
Further information regarding national dive team organizations can be found at the following links:
International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists
Dive Rescue International
Sheriff Ken McGovern
