What Are Our Powers?
Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) Officers carry the same powers as regular Home Office forces and The Energy Act 2004 sets out the powers of members to the CNC.
The powers and privileges of a Police Constable are as follows;
- Physical presence at every place comprised in a relevant nuclear site
- Physical presence within 5 kilometres of such a place
- Presence at every shipment site where is appears to them appropriate to be in order to safeguard nuclear materials while it is at the location
- Presence at every other place where it appears to him appropriate to be in order to safeguard nuclear material which is in transit
- Presence at every place where it appears to him appropriate to be in order to pursue or to detain a person whom he reasonably believes;
- To have unlawfully removed or interfered with nuclear material being safeguarded by members of the CNC or
- To have attempted to do so
Public confidence in the police is crucial in a system that rests on the principle of policing by consent. Public confidence in the police depends on police officers demonstrating the highest level of personal and professional standards of behaviour. The standards set out below reflect the expectations that the CNC and the public have of how police officers should behave. They are not intended to describe every situation but rather to set a framework which everyone can easily understand. They enable everybody to know what type of conduct by a police officer is acceptable and what is unacceptable.
The CNC standards for professional behaviour of police officers are as follows:
Honesty and Integrity
Police officers are honest, act with integrity and do not compromise or abuse their position.
Authority, Respect and Courtesy
Police officers act with self-control and tolerance, treating members of the public and colleagues with respect and courtesy.
Police officers do not abuse their powers or authority and respect the rights of all individuals.
Equality and Diversity
Police officers act with fairness and impartiality. They do not discriminate unlawfully or unfairly.
Use of Force
Police officers only use force to the extent that it is necessary, proportionate and reasonable in all the circumstances.
Orders and Instructions
Police officers only give and carry out lawful orders and instructions.
Police officers abide by police regulations, force policies and lawful orders.
Duties and Responsibilities
Police officers are diligent in the exercise of their duties and responsibilities.
Confidentiality
Police officers treat information with respect and access or disclose it only in the proper course of police duties.
Fitness for Duty
Police officers when on duty or presenting themselves for duty are fit to carry out their duties and responsibilities.
Discreditable Conduct
Police officers behave in a manner which does not discredit the police service or undermine public confidence, whether on or off duty.
Police officers resport any action taken against them for a criminal offence, conditions imposed by a court or the receipt of any penalty notice.
Challenging and Reporting Improper Conduct
Police officers report, challenge or take action against the conduct of colleagues which has fallen below the standards of professional behaviour expected.