Build an exceptional career in Defence policing 

When you join the Ministry of Defence Police, your career begins with immediate specialisation as an Authorised Firearms Officer Counter Terrorism (AFO CT). This distinctive starting point sets our officers apart from those in territorial forces. 

Trained to national police firearms standards, you'll provide a visible security presence both within and beyond our protected sites. Your role will contribute directly to deterring potential threats and ensuring rapid response capabilities. 

After successfully completing your training and probationary period, numerous pathways open for career development. We encourage you to discuss your career aspirations during recruitment and throughout your training. 

Specialist career pathways 

Firearms Instructor 

Our National Firearms Instructors (NFIs) are expert practitioners who develop the next generation of MDP officers. They deliver comprehensive tactical training, qualification assessments, and classroom instruction, ensuring our officers maintain the highest standards of firearms proficiency and operational readiness. 

Marine Unit Officer 

Marine policing is a vital component of our security operations at naval establishments. These specialist teams conduct armed waterborne security patrols using Police Launches and Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs). 

Operating in diverse maritime environments—from escorting nuclear submarines in challenging Scottish waters to navigating busy shipping channels alongside aircraft carriers—our marine officers require exceptional skills. All receive professional maritime training to Royal Yachting Association (RYA) standards and specialise in marine-specific firearms tactics. 

Police Dog Handler 

Our dog handlers operate in partnership with their specially trained canines, enhancing our security capabilities across Defence establishments. Working as an armed team, handlers and their dogs provide crucial detection and intervention capabilities. 

These units are trained in property searches, tracking operations, and subject control techniques. Regular training exercises ensure both handler and dog maintain peak operational effectiveness in various security scenarios. 

Project Servator Officer 

Our Project Servator officers are specially-trained to spot tell-tale signs that someone may be carrying out hostile reconnaissance – information gathering that may help them plan or prepare to commit a crime. Operating in both uniform and plain clothes, they deploy unpredictably across Defence sites, using various tactical options and working collaboratively with other forces and local communities. Their expertise creates a hostile environment for those with malicious intent while providing reassurance to the public. 

Crime Command Detective 

MDP Crime Command comprises specialist intelligence and investigation units positioned strategically across the UK. These teams work closely with partner agencies to counter serious security threats to Defence interests. 

Our detectives combat sophisticated threats including organised crime, fraud, theft, bribery, corruption, extremism, and other hostile activities targeting Defence. Through identification, prevention, disruption, and apprehension, Crime Command plays a crucial role in protecting Defence personnel, assets, and operations from criminal exploitation.