Operational Support Services (OSS) is the largest frontline department within South Yorkshire Police providing specialist support to the four policing districts 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The department performs a variety of functions from valuable back room administration to some of the most interesting operational policing units within the Force.

Want to find out more?  Below is a snapshot of the main OSS functions with quick links to find out more about the individual units.

Roads policing …includes our motorcyclists and collision investigators, aiming to reduce casualties on the county’s roads and make them a safer place for everyone

Underwater search … our qualified divers who deal with searching for missing people, stolen property, drugs and other unique items

Air support …you should have seen or at least heard the Force helicopter that conducts specialist search and pursuit tasks impossible from the ground

Tactical support … bashing doors in and dealing with violent people are just two of the functions for these specialist teams who provide support and advice to officers across the Force

Communications … means two things in the policing world and this department deals with call handling and crime recording rather than enquiries about media and marketing

Dog training … our super cannines that do more than just detaining criminals

Firearms support … specially trained officers who deal with everything from armed protection for visiting MPs to dealing with spontaneous incidents

Mounted section …are officers on horseback supporting the Force with searches, ceremonial duties, crowd control etc.

Contingency planning … planning for and managing potential risks and emergency situations in partnership with other local agencies