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- Tasks: Join a dedicated team protecting nuclear sites and communities with armed response.
- Company: Civil Nuclear Constabulary, the UK's leading protective policing service.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, free gym access, and discounts through Blue Light Card.
- Why this job: Enjoy a rewarding career with excellent work/life balance and opportunities for specialisation.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+ with a full manual driving licence; no prior policing experience needed.
- Other info: Unique role with world-class training and potential for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 31164 - 50256 £ per year.
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) is an armed police service dedicated to the nuclear industry. Our vision is to be recognised nationally and internationally as the United Kingdom’s leading organisation for the provision of protective policing for the civil nuclear industry and other critical national infrastructure. Given the critical nature of our work, it’s vital that we recruit skilled and committed professionals to our team.
Applying to join the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) as an Authorised Firearms Officer at Dounreay means you will have the time to enjoy your outdoor pursuits between shifts, alongside enjoying a rewarding policing career which will provide you opportunities to develop and specialise at this unique location.
To find out more about what it means to be an Authorised Firearms Officer, please click here to view the CNC AFO Role Profile, which will help to inform your understanding of exactly what the role entails.
Role and responsibilitiesOur role in protecting the nation’s security is unique, which is why being a CNC Police Officer is about so much more than traditional policing. You’ll become part of a highly trained, well-disciplined, and professional team working from our Operational Units as part of a team to provide 24/7 armed response; patrolling and protecting nuclear sites, facilities and materials, as well as patrolling in the local communities and working with local Home Office Police Forces. We play a key role in the Strategic Armed Policing Reserve and have been deployed across the country as part of Operation Temperer in response to terrorist attacks.
Your standard working hours will normally include a 4 day or night 12-hour shift pattern for our officers (4 days/nights on and 4 days/nights off). This shift pattern is considered one of the most desirable in the policing world and offers an excellent work/life balance.
As a CNC officer, you will also have dedicated time allocated within your working hours to train and maintain your fitness levels. Your training will be a 19-week residential Initial Foundation Programme (IFP) which will include our world-class comprehensive Authorised Firearms training; we give our officers everything they need to become some of the most highly trained firearms professionals in the country, so there’s no need for you to have any prior policing experience when joining us.
After your 2-year probationary period, you’ll be eligible to apply for a role in one of our specialist areas to enhance your policing skills further, such as Dog Handler, Special Branch, Firearms Instructor or Strategic Escort Group Officer.
As police officers the public expect us to display the highest standards, values and professional qualities at all times. The CNC values and Code of Ethics applies to all police officers and sets out the principles standards of behaviour we expect to see, and you are responsible for displaying and delivering to the highest standards.
RequirementsApplicants must be 18 years old and have a full manual driving licence.
Benefits- 200 hours annual leave per year, plus bank holidays - increasing to 208 hours after 6 years service, 216 hours after 7 years service, 224 hours after 8 years service, 232 hours after 9 years service and up to 240 hours after ten years service.
- Generous pension scheme, comprised of an 8.2% personal contribution and a 20.7% employer contribution. On our starting salary, this is approx. £750.53 per month!
- Your starting salary as a Police Constable will be £31,164 which increases after successful completion of your 2 year probation to £32,472.
- Every year thereafter, you have the opportunity to reach the next pay point, attaining our highest pay point for Police Constables within 7 years of joining us, which is £50,256.
- Free parking at all sites.
- Free gym at some sites.
- Enhanced family friendly and wellbeing policies, which include but are not limited to providing paid parental and adoption leave, as well as shared parental leave.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Officers and staff also have the opportunity to join the national Blue Light Card scheme which offers discounts on a variety of products and services to those working in the emergency services, NHS, and Armed Forces.
Police Constable AFO - Dounreay - 2026 employer: Civil Nuclear Constabulary
Contact Detail:
Civil Nuclear Constabulary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Police Constable AFO - Dounreay - 2026
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the CNC and its values inside out. When you’re chatting with interviewers, drop in specific examples of how your own values align with theirs. It shows you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your fitness and firearms skills before the assessment centre. The CNC is all about being highly trained, so showing that you’re already on top of your game will definitely impress them. Plus, it’ll help you feel more confident when the time comes!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former CNC officers if you can. They can give you insider tips on what to expect during the recruitment process and what the day-to-day life is really like. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment to joining the team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest updates and resources to help you along the way. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Police Constable AFO - Dounreay - 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start your application, take a good look at the CNC AFO Role Profile. It’ll give you a clear idea of what we’re looking for and help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill.
Be Authentic: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for policing and why you’re excited about joining our team.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Even if you don’t have prior policing experience, think about any skills or experiences that relate to the role. Whether it’s teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving, make sure to showcase those in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups, and you’ll find all the info you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Nuclear Constabulary
✨Know the CNC Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Civil Nuclear Constabulary's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their role in protecting national security and how being an Authorised Firearms Officer fits into that picture. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
As a Police Constable, teamwork is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully worked as part of a team, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to collaborate and support your colleagues, as this is key in a policing environment.
✨Showcase Your Commitment to Training
The CNC offers extensive training, so it's important to express your eagerness to learn and develop. Talk about any relevant training or skills you've acquired in the past, and emphasise your willingness to undergo the 19-week Initial Foundation Programme and beyond.
✨Exhibit Professionalism and Ethics
The CNC expects the highest standards of behaviour. Be prepared to discuss scenarios where you've had to uphold ethical standards or make tough decisions. This will demonstrate your understanding of the responsibilities that come with being a police officer and your alignment with the CNC's Code of Ethics.
