A visit to Bisley with the Civil Nuclear Constabulary

Yesterday morning, Mark and I travelled to the remarkable site of Bisley Camp to visit the training centre of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary. Having already visited their head office at Culham a few weeks ago, it was fascinating to complete the picture and see where so much of their specialist preparation takes place.

I had never been to Bisley before — what an extraordinary site. From Olympic-calibre athletes training on the ranges, to the old Empire-style buildings around the estate, the diversity of the place is striking. Among the period structures are colonial-style buildings that have apparently been used for film and TV locations, including doubling for Kenya in The Crown and appearing in other productions over the years.

What many may not realise is just how many organisations use the site. The Camp is home to a wide variety of clubs and governing bodies. The National Rifle Association is the principal landlord, and the National Small-bore Rifle Association (NSRA) is based at the Lord Roberts Centre – a major hub on the site. The Civil Nuclear Constabulary itself is a sub-tenant there, with its Bisley offices located within the Lord Roberts Centre alongside the NSRA’s own facilities.

Walking through the CNC’s training ranges, through converted lodges and cabins, and across the grounds that once served as a shooting-lodge estate, gave us a vivid sense of the history and the present-day purpose coming together. It underlined the professionalism, discipline and judgement that their teams embody.

What struck me most was the time we spent discussing the ethics and decision-making that underpin armed policing. It’s easy to imagine the kit and the drills, but far harder to appreciate the pace at which officers must assess risks, make critical decisions, and respond in circumstances that can change in seconds. The emphasis on proportionality, necessity and accountability is woven into every part of their training.

I came away with a renewed respect for the officers who carry this responsibility. Their commitment to public safety – often in complex and challenging environments – is remarkable.

A huge thank-you to the whole team for giving Mark and me such an insightful window into their world. It was a privilege to spend the time with them.