At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver and prepare firearms training while being an operational Armed Response Officer.
- Company: City of London Police, dedicated to exceptional armed policing services.
- Benefits: Generous pension, free Oyster card, subsidised rail travel, and additional £3,000 firearms payment.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; diverse workforce encouraged.
- Why this job: Join a professional team making a real impact on public safety in a historic city.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified National Firearms Instructor and operationally competent Armed Response Officer.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Type of contract: Permanent – Full Time
Rank/Grade: PC
Directorate/Department: Tactical Firearms Group, Local Policing
Vetting level required: MV/SC
Location: Bishopsgate Police Station
Salary: According to the National Police Pay Scales plus London Weighting and London Allowance. This post currently attracts an additional £3,000 per annum firearms retention payment.
Department Overview
The City of London Firearms Training Wing (FTW) is a department within the Tactical Firearms Group (TFG) who provide firearms training for Armed Response, Firearms Command, AFO-CT and National Protection role profiles. As a member of the FTW you will be an operationally deployable Armed Response Officer but have a full time commitment to the delivery and preparation of Firearms Training.
The TFG provide 24-hour firearms response to spontaneous and planned operations in the City and wider Pan‑London area working very closely with our Metropolitan Police colleagues from MO19. With fewer numbers of Armed Response Officers the FTW is able to maintain a close working relationship with our full‑time operational teams. This creates a respectful and highly professional training environment where the focus is on delivering excellent, innovative training which prepares our operators for the challenges of armed policing in London during 2024.
The City of London is the historic heart of London packed with history, commercial activity and culture. We have a demographic profile which is not replicated anywhere else: a residential population of around 9,000 and over 500,000 as commuters arriving at their place of work daily with an additional 18 million visitors annually.
The City has a rich legacy of historic buildings and a large number of iconic sites including St Paul’s, the Bank of England, the Royal Exchange, and the Commercial District. The City of London Police is proud to deliver an exceptional Armed Policing service to the public rising to this challenge year on year to keep those who live, work or visit the City of London safe and feeling safe.
The TFG offer external candidates the additional benefits our current team receives including a £3,000 annual firearms payment, £6,711 in London Allowance and London Weighting, a generous pension scheme, a free Oyster card for London (TFL) travel and subsidised national rail travel, which allows you to travel within a 70‑mile radius. As a full time member of the FTW with the ARV role profile you will also be eligible to work overtime on the TFG ARV teams.
Eligibility Criteria
- Serving Police Officer in a Home Office Police Service
- Operationally Competent as an Armed Response Officer
- Qualified as a National Firearms Instructor (NFI) accredited by a College of Policing licenced NFIC provider.
- Minimum of Level 3 AET
- Operational competency to ARVO level
- Currently operational and medically fit for ARVO role (JRFT 9.4 this training year)
- Hold Lead Instructor status for ARV (Confirmed by your force CFI)
Desirable Criteria
- Operational Firearms Commander
- National Protection Officer
- Advanced Driver
- Firearms Tactical Advisor
- Rifle Officer
- IOSH trained
- Assessor trained
Application and Training
There is no specific London Residency criteria. All eligible candidates across the UK are welcome to apply. Once you have submitted your application form it will be subject to an eligibility process. If successful you will be invited for an assessment day including CVF interview and presentation. Successful candidates will progress to medical (including JRFT) and vetting stage. The application and interview will be tested under Level 1 of the College of Policing Competency and Values Framework with questions specifically testing your ARV and NFI experience. Applicants who fail to address the skills/knowledge/experience of the job description will not be considered.
The closing date for applications is 6 November 2026 at 12:00 hours. This vacancy is open only to National Firearms Instructors who are currently operationally competent Armed Response Officer role profile holders in a Home Office Police Force ONLY.
The City of London Police is keen to promote flexible working and will, subject to operational policing requirements, proactively consider all applications to work flexibly. The City of London Police is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the Policing community.
Benefits
We will offer a number of benefits including a generous pension scheme, a free Oyster card for London (TFL) travel and subsidised national rail travel, which allows you to travel within a 70‑mile radius. A diverse workforce improves the service we provide to our public by making us more approachable and relevant within our communities. This is why it’s vitally important that we recruit people from a wide range of communities and backgrounds with an understanding of cultural issues and a wide range of skills. We therefore particularly encourage female and people from Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic communities to join us.
The way we work is changing. With a few exceptions most roles will be able to accommodate part time, job share and flexible working patterns. We can also offer hybrid working patterns of home and office based shift patterns. Feel free to speak to us about any flexible working requirements.
The Force has several staff support networks that can offer you support and advice. Applicants are very welcome to contact the networks directly if they need any support or ask any question before they apply.
Police Constable - National Firearms Instructors - Armed Response (External Only) in London employer: City of London Police
The City of London Police is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work as a Police Constable within the National Firearms Instructors team at the historic Bishopsgate Police Station. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, free Oyster card for travel, and a supportive work culture that promotes diversity and flexible working arrangements, you will be part of a dedicated team focused on delivering innovative firearms training in one of the most iconic locations in the world.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Police Constable - National Firearms Instructors - Armed Response (External Only) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the job description and the specific skills they’re looking for. This way, you can tailor your responses during interviews to show you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former officers in similar roles. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about what to expect during the assessment day.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the CVF interview by rehearsing answers to common questions related to your experience as an Armed Response Officer. The more confident you are, the better you’ll perform.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and resources to help you along the way.
We think you need these skills to ace Police Constable - National Firearms Instructors - Armed Response (External Only) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Job Inside Out:Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the role of a Police Constable - National Firearms Instructor. Read through the job description carefully and highlight the key skills and experiences they’re looking for. This will help you tailor your application to show that you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Experience:When filling out your application, don’t just list your qualifications. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the requirements. Remember, they want to see how you’ve applied your skills in real situations, so be detailed!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex language. Make it easy for the hiring team to see your strengths and how you meet the criteria. A well-structured application is always more appealing!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary information and resources to help you along the way!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of London Police
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Armed Response role and the National Firearms Instructor requirements. Brush up on your operational competencies and be ready to discuss your experience in detail, as this will show that you’re not just qualified but also genuinely interested in the position.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Prepare for the CVF interview by practising common competency-based questions. Think about scenarios from your past experiences that demonstrate your skills and values relevant to the role. Role-playing with a colleague can help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
The Tactical Firearms Group values collaboration, so be prepared to discuss how you work within a team. Share examples of how you’ve contributed to team success in high-pressure situations, as this will highlight your ability to function effectively in the dynamic environment of armed policing.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions about the role and the department. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you. Inquire about training opportunities or the team culture to demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
