Authorised Firearms Officer (AFO) Transferee Constable
31/05/2024, 12:00
Warwickshire is recruiting Armed Response Vehicle Officer to the Operational Firearms Unit
- We are seeking transferees for PC Authorised Firearms Officers (trained to ARV role profile) at our Leek Wootton Police HQ.
- AFO’s in Warwickshire Police work a 4 on/4 off shift pattern for 8 weeks followed by a 2-week training period.
- AFO’s receive a firearms retention payment per annum (£1500 reviewed annually)
- OFCs receive an additional targeted variable payment in recognition of the command role (£750 reviewed annually)
- Officers benefit from use of the gym facilities
- There are opportunities for role progression as a PC OFC, close protection officer and a National Firearms Instructor dependant on availability and subject to selection process. Promotion within department is available subject to vacancies.
- Advanced driving grade is desirable (but not essential) and officers will be able to apply for TPAC training (if not already accredited) once in post.
This is an exciting role for AFO’s providing an armed policing function to the large county of Warwickshire with a split of rural and urban communities.
Warwickshire police a large section of the strategic road network and borders the West Midlands Policing area with large population areas. As an ARVO in Warwickshire you will work in the Operational Patrol Unit based at Warwickshire Police HQ, Leek Wootton.
We are looking for officers who hold the AFO role profile including newly qualified AFO’s who wish to transfer into Warwickshire. The ARV’s are responsible for providing a response to armed incidents within the county and to provide support to other functions, such as roads policing, OCG enforcement and pro-active policing via intel and ANPR based patrols. As a smaller force with a limited number of armed assets available you likely to be deployed to all Armed incidents that occur during your tour of duty as well as providing support to planned deployments. Warwickshire Police operate a voluntary call-out function to provide contingencies to armed operations. The role is varied, and you will not be restricted from supporting other policing areas, whether this be planned arrests of dangerous offenders to providing tactical options for pursuits and county lines offenders. Warwickshire Police ARV staff do not currently hold an investigative workload, which is detailed within the forces crime allocation policy.
Warwickshire Police will provide opportunities to develop your skills and training either within the firearms role or wider policing functions to support your career. This includes OFC roles, instructing if you aspire to become a National Firearms Instructor, close protection, or promotion development programmes.
Additional payments:
AFOs who are qualified and deployable and meet the required criteria will be eligible for a Target Variable Payment (TVP) of £1500 per annum. Similarly, trained and deployable OFCs meeting the necessary criteria will receive an additional TVP of £750 per annum. These payments are subject to annual review.
We are keen to increase the current OFC establishment and will recognise this critical skill by offering a TV . Alongside leading your team in both planned and spontaneous incidents, you will get excellent training and CPD opportunities.
You will join an enthusiastic team that train and work together. Warwickshire is a supportive environment where the vital AFO/OFC role is recognised as critical to the organisation. We work a 10 week, 5-shift system on a 4 on 4 off pattern of 12-hour shifts for 8 weeks with 2 weeks of Monday to Thursday 8-hour shifts dedicated to maintaining your mandatory training hours. The 5th shift provides the opportunity for Teams to train together and when there is no training it is an opportunity for proactive policing and supporting campaigns. The training calendar is tailored to provide interesting and stimulating training locations and we utilise excellent range facilities with one of partners. AFO’s have access to Force Gyms and there is an active Sports & Social Club across the Force. Warwickshire Police is aware that officers may require a degree of flexibility within the role. To promote health and wellbeing within our workforce the force takes a positive approach to flexible working requests.
For an informal chat or to arrange a visit please the Armed Policing Inspector Daniel.James@warwickshire.police.uk or via the telephone number 07814773819, who will be happy to discuss the role in further detail.
Application Criteria:
- Substantive in the rank of Constable serving (or have served) with a Home Office Force or British Transport Police.
- A current Authorised Firearms Officer, trained to the National ARV Role Profile
- Able to pass and maintain the Fitness Test to level 9-4
- A final offer would be subject to the approval of applicants training records (and their transfer) by the CFI.
- To be eligible to transfer you must: Be a current serving police officer in a Home Office force or British Transport Police (Officers from Police Service Northern Ireland, Police of Scotland & Ministry of Defence are assessed on a case-by-case basis).
- Have no outstanding discipline or integrity issues.
- Must have successfully completed your probationary period with your Force prior to submitting your application.
Desirable Criteria:
- Hold the OFC role profile.
- Current advanced police driver with TPAC
- Current ARVO with CBRN uplift training. If this is not held then arrangements will be made to provide the additional training.
- Be a current National Firearms Instructor, Firearms Tactical advisor, or close protection officer.
Please note: some of the areas on this application form are only relevant for student officers, if you do not think a section is relevant please put a full stop and if it is necessary we will ask for this at a later stage.
Why work for Warwickshire Police?
Warwickshire Police has gained a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force, responsible for policing a large diverse, multi-cultural population.
If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then Warwickshire Police is the force for you.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Warwickshire Police are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the Constabulary, where communities are under-represented, including those from minority ethnicity communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBTQ+ communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve.
All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for.
Recruitment and Selection Policy
Internal applicants who are at risk of redundancy or in need of redeployment and pass the selection process, will be offered the role over the remaining internal and external applicants.
Police Barred and Advisory lists
Individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment by the police for a minimum of 5 years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or 3 years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.
Vetting and safeguarding
Warwickshire Police are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.
