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: Up to £5,000 relocation support, 200 hours annual leave, and excellent work/life balance.
- Why this job: Enjoy outdoor pursuits while serving in a rewarding and unique policing role.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, hold a full manual driving licence; no prior experience needed.
- Other info: Dynamic training programme with opportunities for specialisation after probation.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Job Info
- Job Identification: 689
- Job Category: Officer
- Posting Date: 01/12/2026, 12:00 AM
- Locations: Dounreay
- Job Schedule: Full time
- Job Shift: Shifts
- 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. Dounreay offers a serene and fulfilling way of life to those seeking both adventure and tranquility. 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 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.
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, up to £5,000 is available for those who are purchasing a property, to reimburse costs including survey fees, estate agent fees, and removal expenses. For candidates who will be renting, up to £2,500 is available to help with the cost of transporting personal belongings when relocating. 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 the 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.
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.
Applicants must be 18 years old and have a full manual driving licence.
Benefits of working for the CNC: 200 hours annual leave per year, plus
Police Constable AFO - Relocate to Dounreay - 2026 employer: Civil Nuclear Police Authority
Contact Detail:
Civil Nuclear Police Authority Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Police Constable AFO - Relocate to 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 interview skills with a mate or in front of the mirror. Focus on articulating your experiences clearly, especially those that highlight teamwork and decision-making under pressure. Remember, they want to see how you handle real-life scenarios!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Reach out to current or former CNC officers on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and maybe even give you a heads-up about what to expect during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance at landing the role. Keep an eye on the application deadlines and ensure your profile is up-to-date. We want to see your enthusiasm and commitment right from the start!
We think you need these skills to ace Police Constable AFO - Relocate to Dounreay - 2026
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you’re excited about becoming a Police Constable AFO and how you connect with our mission at CNC.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We love seeing how your background fits with our unique policing environment at Dounreay.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Civil Nuclear Police Authority
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Police Constable AFO. Understand the unique aspects of working in the civil nuclear industry and be ready to discuss how your skills align with the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Values
The CNC places a strong emphasis on values and ethics. Be prepared to share examples from your past that demonstrate your commitment to integrity, professionalism, and teamwork, as these are crucial in policing.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect situational questions that assess your decision-making and problem-solving skills. Think about potential scenarios you might face as an AFO and how you would handle them, focusing on safety and community engagement.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about the training process, opportunities for specialisation after probation, or the community engagement initiatives in Dounreay. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.