Police Constable - Authorised Firearms Officer-Counter Terrorism (AFO-CT)
Updated 23 December 2024
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Role type
Police Constable - Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO) - Counter Terrorism (CT)
Salary
£28,412 - £45,819
Plus additional allowances for specific locations and specialist roles (annual incremental salary increase within 7 years).
Hours
40 hours
Typical shift pattern consists of four 12-hour shifts followed by 4 days off. Shift patterns are subject to review throughout the Force.
Locations
Scotland
Faslane, HMNB Clyde
Coulport, RNAD Coulport
North West, England
Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria
Central West, England
Raynesway, Derby
Central South, England
Aldermaston, Berkshire
Burghfield, Berkshire
South East, England
HMNB Portsmouth, Hampshire
South West, England
HMNB Devonport, Plymouth
Job description
As an AFO-CT with the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP), you’ll play a vital frontline role in safeguarding the UK’s Defence and critical national infrastructure.
This is not a typical policing role, it’s an opportunity to specialise in counterterrorism (CT) duties, armed security and protecting some of the nation’s most sensitive assets.
Every day, your work will have a direct impact on national security, requiring precision, dedication, and commitment.
Key accountabilities
- perform armed patrols and frontline response to incidents within the Defence estate
- maintain firearms and fitness qualifications
- engage with communities, victims, and witnesses
- gather intelligence, conduct investigations, and manage evidence
- apply problem solving and evidence-based policing methods
Application
The journey to becoming an MDP officer involves several stages. To help you understand what to expect and prepare effectively, we have created a detailed guide to our recruitment process.
Before an application can be submitted, you must complete the pre-screening form and attend the pre-application workshop where essential information will be provided.
Information session
Register to join one of our information sessions to learn more about the MDP and our roles
Registration closes at 11.45pm on Sunday 5 January 2025.
Pre-screening
The pre-screening form will be used to check your initial eligibility, and you can use it to register for our pre-application workshop.
Complete the pre-screening form
Registration closes at 11.45pm on Sunday 12 January 2025.
Application pack
An application pack will be sent to all candidates who submit a reference code, provided at the pre-application workshops.
Application submission
All applications and supporting documentation must be emailed to MDP-Resourcing@mod.gov.uk
Applications will only be accepted between Monday 20 January and Sunday 2 February 2025.
Pay and benefits
| Constable Pay Point - WEF 1 September 2024 | Salary |
|---|---|
| 1 | £28,412 |
| 2 | £29,606 |
| 3 | £30,806 |
| 4 | £32,006 |
| 5 | £34,405 |
| 6 | £39,239 |
| 7 | £45,819 |
Allowances
Some locations and roles attract additional allowances on a pro-rata basis while you are based there and remain eligible for the allowance. These are paid monthly with your salary and are subject to the usual deductions.
Location allowances
South East Allowance - Higher: £3,000 for posts based at the AWE Group, Berkshire
South East Allowance - Lower: £2,000 for posts based at Portsmouth
Priority posting allowances
Priority Posting Allowance - £3,000 for officers based at AWE Group, Berkshire
Unsocial hours allowance
Eligible officers can claim an allowance worth 10% of their base rate pay for every full hour worked between the hours of 9pm and 5am.
Annual leave
As a full-time police constable, you will have 22 days’ paid annual leave rising to 30 days after 20 years’ service.
You can also expect other forms of leave, including maternity, paternity and adoption leave, special leave (with or without pay) and parental leave.
| Length in service | Leave entitlement |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | 22 days (176 hours) |
| 2 years or more | 25 days (200 hours) |
| 10 or more years | 27 days (216 hours) |
| 15 or more years | 28 days (224 hours) |
| 20 or more years | 30 days (240 hours) |
Pension
Our officers are automatically opted into the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme (ALPHA). You will contribute between 4.6% and 8.05%, depending on your earnings, with contributions from the MOD at 28.97%.
Discounts and offers
All employees of the MDP are entitled to a range of discounts through the Defence Discount Service and/or the Blue Light Card scheme.
There are also several other benefits that may be available to you as part of the wider Civil Service, including Cycle to Work, salary advances and interest free travel loans.
Discover the range of Civil Service benefits.
Wellbeing and fitness
We’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of our people and we understand that people perform best when they feel comfortable and can be themselves.
We offer all staff access to:
- trained Mental Health First Aiders throughout the Force, to listen and signpost suitable guidance when staff need support
- the Employee Assistance Programme, a 24-hour helpline available every day of the year, providing emotional support, guidance, and advice on a wide range of issues
- Headfit, an online tool designed to help defence people stay mentally fit and on top of their game at work and at home
- an occupational health team to provide guidance and advice in relation to the annual medical process and other health-related issues for safety-critical posts
- fitness provisions, including gyms, fitness instructors and a Force dietitian
- staff networks
- guidance advice and support to represent your needs available from the Defence Police Federation
- operational staff can access the Defence Occupational Fitness Programme (DOfit), a best-practise health behaviour change supports programme, developed in partnership with Public Health England and designed to support MOD and service personnel
Sports
We encourage all our staff to keep fit and healthy and for officers’ fitness is an operational requirement.
Membership to the CSSC Sports and Leisure is open to all in Defence and provides several ways to stay active as well as savings on gym memberships.
Many stations have gym facilities, and we have a Force sports association that offers support to staff taking part in competitive opportunities. Our officers take part in Police Sport UK initiatives and Defence sporting events, sometimes competing against their colleagues.
Training
Once you have completed the recruitment process, the next step towards becoming an AFO-CT begins with our learning and development team. Our instructors will guide you through every aspect of modern policing, teaching you how to use intelligence, judgement, and when necessary, physical skills.
Initial training
This part of your journey starts at the Defence School of Policing and Security. For new recruits, the comprehensive 12-week residential course forms the cornerstone of your police career. Throughout your training, you’ll be fully supported with accommodation and meals, allowing you to focus entirely on your development.
During this intensive period, you’ll work towards achieving either a Level 4 Non-Home Office Police Officer apprenticeship for officers in England and Wales, or the Level 7 Scottish Diploma for officers in Scotland.
Becoming an AFO-CT
A defining feature of your training is the comprehensive 8-week firearms module, where you’ll develop the skills needed to become an AFO. This isn’t just about weapons handling, you’ll master critical decision-making, tactical awareness, and life-saving medical skills. Our scenario-based training puts you in realistic situations, from buildings to vehicles and open areas, helping you develop the confidence to make split-second decisions under pressure.
You’ll learn essential negotiation techniques and how to support vulnerable people, ensuring you have the full range of skills needed for modern policing.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Your learning journey doesn’t end with initial training. As an MDP officer, you’ll participate in regular refresher courses and development training throughout your career. This includes tactical training, shooting qualifications, and advanced first aid, ensuring your skills remain sharp and current. We maintain high standards through continuous assessment, and you’ll need to stay current with annual medical checks and fitness standards.
After completing your probation, further opportunities await. Whether you’re interested in specialist units, advanced firearms roles, or other areas of expertise, we offer clear pathways for career progression and professional development.
Our commitment to protecting with purpose means we invest significant time in your development, providing individual support and guidance throughout your journey.