Last month saw the completion of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary's 100th initial foundation training programme for new Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs).
The Initial Foundation Programme (IFP) for recruits is an intensive 18-week residential course, covering a huge range of policing skills and essential firearms skills. Since the courses were introduced, hundreds of students have passed the intensive training to become CNC AFOs.
The CNC's 100th IFP proved to be a double milestone, as it was also the first time an IFP was held at Dounreay in Scotland. The decision to offer IFPs at locations other than Culham Headquarters and Bisley Firearms Training Unit (FTU) was made following the introduction of the Non-Home Office Police Apprenticeship Programme earlier this year, to reduce the distance recruits would potentially need to travel to complete their training.
Consequently, graduation ceremonies were held at both Dounreay and at the CNC's Griffin Park tactical training centre, in Cumbria, where officers received awards, certificates and their warrant cards.
Ch Supt Sheree Owen, Head of the CNC's Training Division, presided over the ceremony at Griffin Park and said: "It was my absolute privilege to hand out the awards and warrant cards at the pass out parade for IFP 100 on behalf of the Chief Constable.
"It was great to see that our new officers have come to us with a such varied life experiences and previous occupations.
"They should be proud of having successfully completed their initial foundation programme, which is an intense course with many new skills to master.
"We wish them all the best at their units."
Dounreay-based Supt Lynsay Hernandez said: "We were delighted to host IFP 100 onsite here at Dounreay and thereafter at our FTU Scotland Training Facility and we were privileged that our Chief Constable Simon Chesterman travelled north to present to the new officers their warrant cards, certificates and awards.
"His support has been instrumental in ensuring that we can offer courses for our local people in the north of Scotland and our ongoing recruitment campaign will certainly see more local courses during 2025.
"A huge congratulations to all those who successfully passed their course and all the best for a long career with the CNC."
