Authorised Firearms Officer

Warwickshire Police; Leicester; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional law enforcement agency is inviting applications for the position of Armed Response Vehicle Officer in Leicester. The role offers a competitive salary range of £31,164–£50,256 and includes a one-off payment of £1,000 on successful transfer. Officers will be engaged in a unique shift pattern and have opportunities to progress within the force. The role requires current Authorised Firearms Officer status and completion of a probationary period. Benefits include access to work training and gym facilities.

Benefits

Access to gym facilities

Voluntary call-out function

Variable payments for qualified roles

Qualifications

• Substantive in the rank of Constable serving with a Home Office Force or British Transport Police.
• Approval of training records and transfer by the CFI.

Responsibilities

• Respond to armed incidents during tours of duty.
• Support planned deployments in various policing roles.
• Participate in a 4 on 4 off shift pattern.

Skills

Current Authorised Firearms Officer

Fitness Test to level 9-4A

Advanced driving grade

Job description

Warwickshire is recruiting Armed Response Vehicle Officers 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.

All AFOs will receive a one‑off payment of £1,000 on successful transfer to Warwickshire Police. In addition, all AFOs currently receive an annual targeted variable payment (reviewed annually; £1,500 last year). All OFCs receive an additional annual targeted variable payment in recognition of the command role (reviewed annually; £750 last year). Officers benefit from use of the gym facilities.

The role offers opportunities for progression as a PC OFC, close protection officer, or National Firearms Instructor, dependant on availability and subject to a selection process. Promotion within the 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.

AFOs work a 4 on 4 off shift pattern for 8 weeks followed by a 2‑week training period. The salary range is £31,164‑£50,256. The Operational Patrol Unit is based at Warwickshire Police HQ, Leek Wootton. The force operates a voluntary call‑out function to provide contingencies to armed operations. The role is varied; AFOs are expected to respond to all armed incidents during their tour of duty and support planned deployments, including roads policing, OCG enforcement and proactive policing via intel and ANPR‑based patrols.

WK Police also envisage opportunities for officers to develop their skills and training within the firearms role or wider policing functions – including OFC roles, instructing for the National Fire Instructor role, close protection, or promotion development programmes. AFOs who qualify and meet the required criteria are eligible for a Target Variable Payment (TVP) of £1,500 per annum; trained and deployable OFCs receive an additional TVP of £750 per annum.

We have 10‑week, 5‑shift system: 4 on 4 off pattern of 12‑hour shifts for 8 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of Monday‑to‑Thursday 8‑hour shifts dedicated to maintaining mandatory training hours. The 5th shift provides opportunities for teams to train together, or when training is not occurring to undertake proactive policing and support campaigns. Training calendar is tailored to provide stimulating locations and uses excellent range facilities with partners. AFOs also have access to Force Gyms and an active Sports & Social Club across the Force.

Flexible working requests are encouraged to promote health and wellbeing. For an informal chat or to arrange a visit, contact the Armed Policing Inspector, Leanne Mason, at [e-mail] or telephone [phone].

Application Criteria

• Substantive in the rank of Constable serving (or have served) with a Home Office Force or British Transport Police.
• Current Authorised Firearms Officer, trained to the National ARV Role Profile.
• Able to pass and maintain the Fitness Test to level 9‑4A.
• Have no outstanding discipline or integrity issues.
• Successfully completed probationary period with current Force.
• Approval of training records and transfer by the CFI.

Desirable Criteria

• Hold the OFC role profile.
• Current advanced police driver with TPAC.
• Current ARVO with CBRN uplift training. If not held then arrangements will be made to provide additional training.
• National Firearms Instructor, Firearms Tactical Advisor, or close protection officer.