Civil Nuclear Constabulary replaces UKAEA police
On April 1, the UK Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary was officially separated from the Atomic Energy Authority, and has been re-constituted as the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC).
On April 1, the UK Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary was officially separated from the Atomic Energy Authority, and has been re-constituted as the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC).
The move, which was first announced in July 2002 as part of the Governments Managing the Nuclear Legacy White Paper, was formally carried out under The Energy Act 2004.
The CNC reports to a newly formed, independent police authority, the Civil Nuclear Police Authority, and operates under the strategic direction of the DTI.
While the staffing and role of the 650-strong Constabulary in providing a specialised policing and guarding service for nuclear sites and materials has not changed, it is the first time the 50-year-old force has operated under
a statutory police authority.
The Civil Nuclear Police Authority will be chaired by former Yorkshire
Police Authority member Melvyn Smith, and includes former chief constable Dame Elizabeth Neville among its seven members.
UK Energy Minister Mike O`Brien said: “These appointments mark the culmination of a commitment given by the Government to separate the present UKAEA Constabulary from UKAEA and set it up under a statutory police authority.”