Police Constable AFO – Relocate to Dounreay - 2026

Applying to join the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) as an Authorised Firearms Officer at Dounreay means you will have time to enjoy outdoor pursuits between shifts, alongside a rewarding policing career with opportunities to develop and specialise at this unique location. Dounreay offers a serene and fulfilling way of life for those seeking adventure and tranquillity. Located not far from Thurso, Dounreay is home to an Operational Policing Unit and has its own first-class firearms training facility.

The 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 professionals to our team.

To learn more about what it means to be an Authorised Firearms Officer, please view the CNC AFO Role Profile to understand precisely what the role entails.

Our role in protecting the nation’s security is unique, and being a CNC Police Officer involves more than traditional policing. You’ll be part of a highly trained, disciplined, and professional team operating from Operational Units to provide 24/7 armed response; patrolling and protecting nuclear sites, facilities and materials, as well as patrolling local communities and working with local Home Office Police Forces. The CNC has a role in the Strategic Armed Policing Reserve and has been deployed across the country as part of Operation Temperer in response to terrorist attacks.

Your standard working hours will typically include a 4 day or night 12-hour shift pattern (4 days/nights on and 4 days/nights off). This shift pattern is considered desirable in policing and supports work/life balance. As a CNC officer, you will have dedicated time within your working hours to train and maintain fitness levels.

Relocation assistance is available, including up to £5,000 for property purchases and up to £2,500 for those who will be renting, with eligibility assessed on a case-by-case basis. Your training will be a 19-week residential Initial Foundation Programme (IFP) including comprehensive Authorised Firearms training, designed to develop officers into highly trained firearms professionals. Prior policing experience is not required to join.

After a 2-year probationary period, you’ll be eligible to apply for roles in specialist areas to further develop policing skills, such as Dog Handler, Special Branch, Firearms Instructor or Strategic Escort Group Officer. As police officers, the public expect us to display high standards, values, and professional qualities at all times. The CNC values and Code of Ethics apply to all officers and set out the expected standards of behaviour.

Applicants must be 18 years old and hold a full manual driving licence.

200 hours annual leave per year, rising with length of service to 240 hours after ten years. Generous pension scheme with significant employer and employee contributions. On starting salary, pension-related monthly figures are provided for illustration. Starting salary as a Police Constable: £31,164, rising to £32,472 after 2 years, with potential progression to £50,256 over time. Free parking at all sites; free gym at some sites. Enhanced family-friendly and wellbeing policies, including paid parental and adoption leave and shared parental leave. Cycle to Work scheme and access to the Blue Light Card for discounts. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to the CNC values. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self to work and collaborate through affinity networks and the ED&I team.

If your application is successful, you will be vetted to national standards. For more information on the vetting process, please review the provided overview resources.