Police Constable (Authorised Firearms Officer)
Police Constable (Authorised Firearms Officer)

Police Constable (Authorised Firearms Officer)

Full-Time 31164 - 32472 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Civil Nuclear Constabulary

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join the CNC as an Authorised Firearms Officer, protecting nuclear sites and communities.
  • Company: Civil Nuclear Constabulary, a leading armed police service for the nuclear industry.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, relocation support, and excellent training opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying a balanced lifestyle in beautiful Dounreay.
  • Qualifications: Must be 18+ with a full manual driving licence; no prior policing experience needed.
  • Other info: Dynamic career growth with specialist roles available after training and probation.

The predicted salary is between 31164 - 32472 £ per year.

Police Constable AFO – Relocating to Dounreay – 2025 Job Category: Officer Locations: Dounreay, Caithness, United Kingdom Job Schedule: Full time Job Shift: Shifts Salary: £31,164 Driving Required: Yes Suitable for Hybrid Working: No 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. If you are looking for a new professional challenge or career development within the policing family, Dounreay offers a serene and fulfilling way of life to those seeking both adventure and tranquillity. Located not too far from Thurso, one of the two major towns in Caithness, Dounreay is home to one of our Operational Policing Units and a 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 and committed professionals to our team. 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. Our 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. We appreciate that relocating can be a significant financial undertaking, often involving costs for travel and setting up a new home. To ease this transition, we are offering a payment of up to £5,000 in relocation support. This assistance is designed to help make the move more manageable and each case is assessed individually to ensure the support provided reflects the specific needs and circumstances of each applicant.  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. Your training will take place at one of our centres and we will aim to train you at a venue which best aligns with your circumstances, particularly in relation to your relocation for the role. The CNC is committed to offering at least one local course each year, held exclusively in Caithness —except for the first week, which takes place in Oxfordshire. We will contact you to discuss as you progress through the recruitment process.  After you have completed your training and 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. Applicants must be 18 years old and have a full manual driving licence. Benefits of working for the CNC: 25 days (200 hours) per year annual leave, plus bank holidays – increasing to 26 days (208 hours) after 6 years service, 27 days (216 hours) after 7 years service, 28 days (224 hours) after 8 years service, 29 days (232 hours) after 9 years service and up to 30 days (224 hours) after ten years service. Generous pension scheme, compromised 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. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At the CNC, we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work. Through the dedicated commitment of our affinity networks, ED&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our ED&I commitments, ensuring the CNC is an employer of choice; where everyone feels included. If your application is successful, you will be required to be vetted to national standards according to our requirements. If you\’d like to understand more about this process, please review the video links below which provide an overview of the vetting process: Vetting: An Overview – https://youtu.be/lRit8RA7Zpo Vetting and Finances – https://youtu.be/JmZP7r-9MEE Vetting and Life Experiences – https://youtu.be/jVPHvgpB8nc Vetting and Internet Use – https://youtu.be/hvXPicGQmYg If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with us at jobs@cnc.police.uk

Police Constable (Authorised Firearms Officer) employer: Civil Nuclear Constabulary

Joining the Civil Nuclear Constabulary as a Police Constable (Authorised Firearms Officer) in Dounreay offers a unique opportunity to blend a rewarding policing career with the serene lifestyle of Caithness. With a strong commitment to employee development, including world-class training and a clear pathway for career progression, you will be part of a professional team dedicated to national security while enjoying generous benefits such as a competitive salary, extensive leave, and relocation support. The CNC fosters a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that every officer can thrive in a supportive environment.
Civil Nuclear Constabulary

Contact Detail:

Civil Nuclear Constabulary Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Police Constable (Authorised Firearms Officer)

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the CNC and its values! Research the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, their mission, and what it means to be an Authorised Firearms Officer. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former CNC officers on social media platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about upcoming opportunities. Plus, it shows you're proactive!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated teamwork, leadership, or problem-solving skills. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!

✨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 roles and updates there, so keep checking back for new opportunities!

We think you need these skills to ace Police Constable (Authorised Firearms Officer)

Firearms Proficiency
Physical Fitness
Teamwork
Situational Awareness
Crisis Management
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Discipline
Ethical Judgement
Decision-Making Skills
Vetting Compliance
Community Engagement
Resilience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Know the Role Inside Out: Before you start writing, make sure you understand what being an Authorised Firearms Officer really means. Check out the CNC AFO Role Profile to get a clear picture of the responsibilities and expectations. This will help you tailor your application to show how you fit the bill!

Showcase Your Skills: When you're putting together your application, highlight any relevant skills or experiences that make you a great fit for the role. Whether it's teamwork, communication, or problem-solving, make sure we see how you can contribute to our mission at CNC.

Be Yourself: We want to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your motivations for applying and what excites you about the role. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.

Apply Through Our Website: Make sure you submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the process right there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Nuclear Constabulary

✨Know the Role Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand what being a Police Constable AFO entails. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties, responsibilities, and the unique aspects of working in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the role.

✨Showcase Your Values

The CNC places a strong emphasis on values and ethics. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with those of the organisation. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your commitment to integrity, professionalism, and community service.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Practice responding to hypothetical situations related to firearms handling, public safety, and teamwork. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions about the role, training, and career progression. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the support provided during the relocation process or opportunities for specialisation after probation.

Police Constable (Authorised Firearms Officer)
Civil Nuclear Constabulary
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