New AFOs graduate from Civil Nuclear Constabulary

If you’ve ever wondered who protects the UK’s civil nuclear sites, meet the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. Two passing out parades in Oxfordshire and Cumbria celebrated the latest Authorised Firearms Officers from Initial Foundation Programme 106 after a demanding 19-week course. The CNC confirmed the graduations in a statement published on GOV.UK.

So, who are the CNC? They are a specialist armed police service dedicated to security at civil nuclear facilities. Their officers focus on preventing and responding to high‑risk threats around nuclear sites, working closely with partner agencies while maintaining their own training standards and governance as a non‑Home Office force.

And what is an AFO? It stands for Authorised Firearms Officer - a police officer who has met strict standards to carry a firearm on duty. In the CNC, AFOs help to protect sensitive locations and reassure workers and communities that the UK’s civil nuclear infrastructure is guarded by trained professionals who are accountable in law and policy.

Training starts with the Initial Foundation Programme. Over 19 weeks, recruits complete a residential programme that blends Policing Skills and Firearms. It’s intensive and practical, with multiple assessments that check knowledge, decision‑making and safe weapon handling. For some recruits it’s their first contact with firearms; by the end, they are cleared to begin duties under close supervision.

Senior leaders described how much the class developed. Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith, who hosted the Cumbria parade at Griffin Park, said the cohort had transformed since day one, including several who arrived with no prior firearms experience. In Oxfordshire, Chief Superintendent Sheree Owen praised the progress made across core policing skills and reminded graduates that learning now continues throughout their careers.

Graduates are being deployed to Operational Policing Units across England and Scotland. This is where you learn the job in real time: site‑specific inductions, briefings with supervisors, and regular practice alongside experienced colleagues. The goal is consistent - arriving at the right standard, every shift, on sites that can’t afford mistakes.

There’s also a paid apprenticeship route in England. Officers based at English OPUs are enrolled on the CNC’s Non‑Home Office Police Officer Apprenticeship. Over two years they work towards an End Point Assessment - a final check of knowledge, skills and behaviours. Passing the EPA brings formal accreditation and a recommendation for confirmation in rank at the end of probation.

Continuous development is part of the deal. Officers take regular refresher training and must meet annual fitness standards so they remain deployment‑ready. If you’re considering this path, expect ongoing study, scenario exercises and physical conditioning to sit alongside your day‑to‑day duties.

Progression is possible once you’re established. Some officers will aim to become National Firearms Instructors who teach and assess others. Others may join the Strategic Escort Group to support sensitive movements, qualify as Police Medics to provide immediate care, or train as Police Dog Handlers. Each option adds responsibility and further training.

CNC intakes draw people from varied backgrounds. You’ll meet former Home Office colleagues, armed forces veterans and career‑changers who bring different strengths. The common thread is professionalism: strict safety practices, careful judgement and a team mindset that values calm communication as much as technical skill.

For students and teachers, this is a useful case study of vocational learning in public service. The apprenticeship combines paid work with accredited training and independent assessment, showing how routes into policing can be structured, supportive and focused on clear standards.

If you want to explore the role, look for current vacancies and eligibility details on the CNC Jobs website. Recruitment windows, vetting, medical requirements and fitness benchmarks can change, so use official sources to plan your next steps and speak with recruiters early if you have questions.