About the Federation / Force History

After 50 years the UKAEA Constabulary has changed name and been re-constituted as the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC). The CNC was established on 1 April 2005 as directed by the Energy Act 2004. The CNC reports to a newly formed, independent Police Authority, the Civil Nuclear Police Authority; it operates under the strategic direction of the DTI.

The CNC is a specialised armed force whose role is the protection of civil nuclear sites and nuclear materials. The overall purpose of the Constabulary is to deliver an effective and efficient Police Service, complying with National Security requirements, for the protection of nuclear materials on designated UK nuclear licensed sites and in transit. Our aim is to provide a secure and safe environment in which the nuclear industry can carry out its business.

With over 730 Police Officers and Staff, the CNC works in partnership with nuclear operators and Home Office Forces. Operational Units are located at sites throughout the UK and CNC Headquarters is based at Culham in Oxfordshire.