CNC provides 60 per cent of UK armed-policing surge capability
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary provides more than 60 per cent of the UK’s total armed-policing surge capability, according to its latest annual report.
The specialist force, which protects civil nuclear sites and nuclear material in transit, forms a core component of the UK Strategic Armed Policing Reserve and provides mutual aid to other forces.
CNC officers delivered more than 150 shifts as part of national firearms surge deployments during 2025/26, while maintaining 24/7 armed protection at the sites for which the force is responsible.
The force also supported national mobilisation requests during visits by the leaders of the US, France and Germany, as well as operations involving the Royal Family.
The CNC employed more than 1,800 officers and staff across 13 sites in England and Scotland at 31 March 2026.
During the year, its responsibilities also expanded beyond the nuclear sector, with the force taking over armed protection at four non-nuclear energy sites.
The annual report says the CNC aims to offer its specialist capabilities more widely across the policing and security infrastructure while maintaining its core mission.