Firearms Support Group Constable

South Yorkshire Police; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional police force is seeking an Armed Response Vehicle Officer Constable to support firearms operations and counter-terrorism efforts. Key responsibilities include conducting investigations, maintaining fitness, and preserving crime scenes. Candidates must complete extensive training and anticipate a commitment of at least five years post-training. Competitive salary and shift patterns apply.

Qualifications

• Completion of the College of Policing licensed Initial Firearms Course.
• Ability to attain operational competence as a Police Advanced Driver.
• Maintain fitness level for firearms fitness test.

Responsibilities

• Perform the role of Armed Response Vehicle Officer during firearms deployments.
• Support crime prevention and respond to calls from the public.
• Conduct investigations and preserve crime scenes.

Skills

Document Controlling

Dermatology

CSSD

Marketing & Advertising

Corporate Recruitment

Job description

Role Details

• Role: Armed Response Vehicle Officer Constable (ARVO)
• Department: Operational Support Unit – Firearms Support Group
• Rank: Police Constable
• Hours: 40 per week
• Location: Operations Complex Sheffield
• Contract Type: Permanent

Key Responsibilities

• Perform the role of Armed Response Vehicle Officer in support of spontaneous and planned firearms deployments on behalf of South Yorkshire Police.
• Maintain operational competence as an Armed Response Vehicle Officer, including achieving and maintaining required fitness levels.
• Provide a key response in matters related to counter‑terrorism locally and nationally, and be trained for CBRN incidents.
• Conduct investigations when required, including interviewing suspects, victims and witnesses.
• Attend and preserve crime scenes to ensure initial investigations are efficient and effective.
• Support the prevention of crime and disorder and respond to calls from the public in line with the Forces Strategic Vision and the Plan on a Page.
• Conduct arrest and process procedures and complete prosecution case files.
• Deal with members of the public at all levels, including confrontational and difficult circumstances.
• Use the National Decision‑Making Model (NDM) in all decision making.
• Promote equality, diversity and human rights in working practices and maintain standards of professional practice and behaviour.
• Provide first aid and Tac‑Med when required.
• Be willing to qualify as an Operational Firearms Commander, Firearms Tactical Advisor or other specialist role if required.
• Work as part of a team and undertake other duties relevant to the role of Armed Response Vehicle Officer.

In-Role Performance Requirements

• Successfully complete the College of Policing licensed Initial Firearms Course and maintain accreditation in line with the National Police Firearms Training Curriculum.
• Attain and maintain operational competence as a Police Advanced Driver.
• Maintain a level of fitness to pass the JRFT to a level of 9.4 as required.
• Maintain a sound knowledge of the APP (Armed Policing) and relevant Standard Operating Procedures for the ARV Officer role.
• Maintain knowledge of legislation and local policy and practice relating to firearms.
• Retain firearms‑appropriate medical standard.
• Retain appropriate vetting level.
• Be prepared to work full 24/7 shifts at short notice.

Recruitment Expectations

• Satisfactory completion of probationary period.
• Ability to complete the initial firearms course.
• Potential to complete basic method of entry course.
• Experience of completing self‑generated work and initiatives.
• Ability to pass OHU medical.
• Achieve and maintain fitness level required to pass the firearms fitness test.
• Be prepared to work full 24/7 shifts.

Selection Process

1. Stage 1 – Submission of the Firearms Application Form (suitability for firearms training). Opens: Monday 15th September 2025. Closing date: Friday 3rd October 2025.
2. Stage 2 – Attendance criteria review.
3. Stage 3 – Paper sift in line with the CVF role profile and guidance notes throughout October 2025 up to the first NDM assessment day.
4. Stage 4 – Completion of the CoP ARV fitness test to level 9.4. Dates in October 2025.
5. Stage 5 – Firearms NDM assessments and shooting assessments. Top scoring 20 candidates progress to this stage, available 20th, 30th October 2025 and 13th November 2025.
6. Stage 6 – Formal interview, likely in December 2025.
7. Stage 7 – Successful candidates receive details of the IFC course (January 2026 to 10th April 2026).
8. Stage 8 – 4‑day initial STO TASER course prior to the IFC course.
9. Stage 9 – OHU Medical examination and doctor report.
10. Stage 10 – Check of disciplinary record, personal record and approval for further assessment by ACC.
11. Stage 11 – Vetting by PSD during the process.
12. Stage 12 – Attendance at uniform fitting and kit/equipment session before IFC course.
13. Stage 13 – Successful completion of the Initial Firearms Course (IFC).
14. All candidates must be available for all dates required to complete the process.

Further Information

Consideration can be given to more flexible working arrangements upon successful completion of the IFC course. The OSU Firearms Support Group is based at the Operations Complex Europa Link in South Yorkshire. Current vacancies are at this location. Upon successful completion of the Initial Firearms Course, individuals will remain in their current roles until vacancies arise within OSU. Due to the specialist nature of the role and the extensive training and development involved, a minimum commitment of five years is expected.

Contact

Further information about the role may be obtained by contacting Inspectors A/ Insp Steve Taylor and Insp Steve Usher on Ext 717048, or Chief Inspector Jonathan Greaves on Ext 716690. Technical and training issues may be obtained from Chief Firearms Instructor John Cobb or Deputy CFI Ben Rowley on Ext 722122.

How to Apply

Submit the ARVO Application Form. The completed Firearms Application form should be supported by your Line manager, District Commander and returned to the relevant contact.

Vetting Level

The vetting level for this role is Management Vetting (MV). Successful applicants will have their vetting reviewed and uplifted.

Diversity and Inclusion

Operational Support is under‑represented by female and ethnic minority officers and applications are particularly welcome from these officers. We support and value all officers and staff and encourage expressions of interest from under‑represented groups.

Key Skills

• Document Controlling
• Dermatology
• CSSD
• Marketing & Advertising
• Corporate Recruitment

Closing Date

Friday 3rd October 2025