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Michael Bery: Master Underwater Criminal Investigator Instructor Trainer

investigators who dump the buckets into a sieve and they sieve through searching
for any remains. This grid system was designed by UCI after working several cold

cases and recovering badly decomposed bodies.

Sonya Trippett: Because of the threat of Terrorism since 911 and the current
attacks in the US and Worldwide, How did that change the focus of Public Safety?

Michael Berry: We used to focus on normal crime and its related evidence that

went into the water. Now we must be proactive as well to meet the increased threats
to our country by becoming trained in all the maritime threat possibilities. This

includes being able to search bridges, piers, and ships for possible WMDs and other
threats contingencies. If there is an event, we should also be trained to respond to
post blast and event investigations. Providing these services as part of our Home

Land Security preplan and preparedness is imperative if we want to have a viable
response.

Sonya Trippett: What is the MOST rewarding experience that you have had while

operating UCI or working with the Virginia State Police?

Michael Berry: Being asked to lead the FBIs Anthrax Diving Operation. For
someone like me, being asked to come in and lead the entire underwater criminal

investigation, which included working with 12 dive teams from Maryland, Virginia
and Washington DC was such an honor.

Photo Courtesy of Michael Berry

Thank you! Michael Berry for sharing your extensive knowledge and expertise on
Underwater Criminal Investigations. Your hard work and dedication to helping others, whether in the
capacity of saving lives or teaching others to save lives is highly commendable. We at Elite Investigative
Journal salute you!

To contact Michael Berry please visit http://www.ucidiver.com/mike_berry.html

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