U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

PSLPD DIVE TEAM - BJA FY24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program

Award Information

Award #
15PBJA-24-GG-04668-JAGX
Funding Category
Formula
Location
Awardee County
St. Lucie
Congressional District
Status
Awarded, but not yet accepted
Funding First Awarded
2024
Total funding (to date)
$22,314

Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2024, $22,314)

The Port St. Lucie Police Department (PSLPD) is requesting funding through the FY24 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program to establish a Dive Team within its Special Operations Division. The project aims to enhance PSLPD’s capacity to perform essential underwater operations such as lifesaving rescues, post-drowning recoveries, evidence collection, and the management of water-related hazards. Given Port St. Lucie’s abundant aquatic environments including rivers, lakes, canals, ponds, and retention marshes, this initiative is critical for public safety.

The requested grant will fund the purchase of essential dive equipment for three officers, including tanks, masks, wetsuits, fins, snorkels, and dive computers. This initial investment is seen as a stepping-stone toward the broader goal of developing a fully equipped and highly trained dive team that can meet the city’s growing needs. By equipping these officers, the Dive Team will be able to respond swiftly and efficiently to emergencies, significantly improving operational capabilities in water-related incidents.

Expected outcomes of the project include heightened public safety, stronger emergency response, and improved capacity to recover critical evidence from aquatic environments. While the primary service area is the City of Port St. Lucie, the team’s capabilities will also benefit surrounding jurisdictions as needed, contributing to regional safety. The primary beneficiaries are the residents and visitors of Port St. Lucie, who will experience enhanced safety through specialized rescue and investigative operations.

PSLPD plans to collaborate with local and regional public safety agencies to ensure that the Dive Team is fully integrated into broader emergency response networks. This project aligns with PSLPD’s commitment to providing exceptional service, enhancing public safety, and building the specialized resources necessary to protect the community.

Date Created: December 4, 2024