Who Are the CNC?
Structure
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) has a very exclusive role. Positioned between providing protection for civil nuclear licensed sites and safe-guarding nuclear materials, nuclear site operators, policing and nuclear regulators as well interlinking with home office forces, the CNC has a policing responsibility with a difference.
The Energy Act 2004 created the Civil Nuclear Police Authority (CNPA) and set out powers to members of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.
Civil Nuclear Police Authority - Who Are They?
The CNPA operates under the strategic direction of the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC). Members of the CNPA are appointed by the Secretary of State and the organisation is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB).
The function of the CNPA is to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the CNC. The role of the CNPA is to ensure that the Constabulary meets the policing requirements of primary stakeholders in the nuclear industry.
Visit the CNPA website for further information.
What's the Background to the CNC Organisation?
On 1 April 2005, after fifty years as the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary, our name changed to the Civil Nuclear Constabulary.
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority Constabulary (UKAEAC) was originally formed on 1 April 1955 and was responsible for the following;
- Policing at all UKAEA, BNFL, URENCO premises
- Crown servants for the purposes of the Firearms Act 1968
- Powers throughout Great Britain whilst escorting movements of nuclear material