CNC Marks a Decade of Successful Project Servator Implementation

Project Servator, initially developed by the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and the City of London Police in 2014, is a specialised policing strategy designed to disrupt various criminal activities while providing a reassuring presence for the public through unpredictable and highly visible deployments.

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) first introduced Project Servator at the Sellafield Operational Policing Unit (OPU) in 2016, progressively extending the implementation of this tactic across the different sites under its protection.

Specialist Training for Enhanced Vigilance

To qualify as Project Servator officers, Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs) undergo specialised training to identify the signs that indicate someone may be engaged in hostile reconnaissance—activities that could assist individuals in planning or executing a criminal act.

Over the past decade, CNC’s Project Servator officers have conducted more than 23,000 deployments, engaging with thousands of members of the public, site workers, and local businesses to emphasise the importance of vigilance and the necessity of reporting any suspicious behaviour.

These proactive deployments have led to arrests for various offences, including those under the Misuse of Drugs Act, the Road Traffic Act, and immigration violations.

Building Community Confidence

Chief Superintendent Ian Davies remarked, “Project Servator plays a crucial role in the CNC’s capability to disrupt threats to our sites and surrounding communities. By connecting with individuals who work and reside near our sites and encouraging them to report any suspicious activity, we create an environment that poses challenges to those with malicious intentions.”

He further expressed gratitude to the partners, site employees, and local residents who have collaborated to enhance the network of vigilance over the last decade, stating, “Your reporting of anything that feels amiss is essential to the success of Project Servator.”

Community members are encouraged to trust their instincts; if something appears out of place or unusual, it is vital to report it to a staff member or police officer. Confidential reports can also be made at gov.uk/ACT, and in emergencies, individuals should always dial 999.

Collaborative Efforts Across Police Forces

The CNC is one of 29 police forces throughout the UK that have adopted Project Servator. CNC officers frequently collaborate with colleagues from other forces during joint deployments aimed at disrupting criminal activity while ensuring a highly visible policing presence. These deployments may involve a variety of resources, including firearms officers, police dogs, and discrete measures such as plain-clothes officers.

Nigel Murdock, Head of Security and Resilience at Sellafield Ltd, commented, “Project Servator has been a vital component of our multi-layered approach to ensuring safety and security at the Sellafield site. Alongside our Guardforce security personnel, CNC officers are consistently proactive in addressing and investigating anything that appears suspicious. Additionally, the vigilance of those working on and living near the site enhances our security efforts, and Project Servator has reinforced this approach.”

Further Resources and Engagement

For additional information about Project Servator, please visit our dedicated webpage or search for #ProjectServator on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn.