Londoners are entitled to feel safe when they enjoy a night out at weekends. The Metropolitan Police Service's high-profile Operational Support Unit (OSU) works hard to make this happen.

From bases at Hendon, Harold Hill and Sydenham, the OSU works Friday and Saturday nights, tackling drink-related violence and knife crime. Each base has a dedicated team of five or six regular full-time sergeants and constables responsible for fixed teams of special constables. As an OSU officer, you'll be fully supported and work at least one Friday and one Saturday a month. You could be taking part in an unarmed role in a firearms operation or working with specialist dog teams. Some officers join our Shield Teams, managing large-scale public order events such as football matches, carnivals and marches.