Strengthening Frontline Protection: Royal Gibraltar Police Seeks Experienced ARV Officers from the United Kingdom and Crown Dependencies

The Royal Gibraltar Police (RGP) is inviting applications from experienced Armed Response Vehicle (ARV) officers currently serving within United Kingdom and Crown Dependencies police forces. These are frontline, operational firearms roles at the heart of the organisation’s protective capability, safeguarding the public, supporting unarmed colleagues and providing a rapid, professional armed response to the most demanding incidents. For officers who have already invested years in developing their firearms expertise, this represents a meaningful opportunity to bring those skills to a unique policing environment while contributing directly to the safety and security of the Gibraltar community.

A Specialist Frontline Opportunity

Armed response is one of the most highly trained and accountable disciplines in modern policing. ARV officers are expected to make sound, lawful decisions at pace, often in fast-moving and high-pressure situations, while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and restraint. The RGP is seeking individuals who already hold these competencies and who are ready to apply them in support of the organisation’s wider operational commitments.

Why the RGP is Recruiting Now

The threat picture facing modern policing has changed considerably. Alongside everyday operational demands, organisation’s must be prepared to respond decisively to firearms incidents, serious public-order situations and the protection of critical sites and events. As a strategically significant jurisdiction with a busy border and international airport, Gibraltar requires a resilient and highly capable armed policing capability.

By recruiting officers who are already trained to ARV standard, the RGP can strengthen this capability efficiently and without the lengthy lead time normally required to develop firearms officers from scratch. Experienced ARV officers bring proven judgement, discipline and tactical awareness, allowing the organisation to enhance its protective resilience while maintaining the highest standards of safety and accountability.

Skills and Standards Sought

This campaign is aimed specifically at serving UK and Crown Dependencies ARV officers. Applicants will be assessed against the following:

•      Current ARV standard: Applicants must be current Authorised Firearms Officers (AFO) accredited to the Armed Response Vehicle officer’s role profile as described within the National Police Firearms Training Curriculum (NPFTC). This includes AFO Counter Terrorist (CT) officers where their role profile incorporates these additional competencies. All applicants must be up to date, demonstrate ongoing operational competence and have recent relevant operational experience in their role.

•       Additional Firearm Roles: Competent OFC’s with operational experience is considered a distinct advantage and will be taken into account during selection, particularly for officers seeking command and supervisory opportunities. In addition, officers who are competent Firearms Tactical Advisors is considered a distinct advantage and will be taken into account during selection.

•    Sound operational judgement: A proven ability to make lawful, proportionate and timely decisions under pressure, in line with the National Decision Model and the highest standards of accountability.

•   Professional integrity: A demonstrable commitment to ethical policing, public service and the safe handling of firearms in all circumstances.

What the RGP Offers

Joining the RGP means becoming part of an organisation built on integrity, professionalism and continuous improvement. In recognition of the experience that ARV officers bring, the organisation offers a package designed to make a move to Gibraltar both attractive and achievable:

•       Recognition of UK policing service: Years of service within UK policing will be taken into account in respect of remuneration, so that an officer’s experience and seniority are properly reflected rather than starting afresh at the bottom of the scale.

•     Flexible residency – living in Spain: Successful applicants may apply for permission to reside in Spain, within a short distance of Gibraltar, subject to meeting operational response requirements. This arrangement offers officers and their family’s greater choice and flexibility when deciding where to live.

•       Professional growth: Structured opportunities for career advancement, continuation training and the development of firearms command skills.

•       Stability: Competitive benefits within a secure and rewarding career path.

•       Wellbeing: A supportive working environment that prioritises the welfare of officers carrying out demanding frontline duties.

Candidate Requirements

 Beyond technical firearms competence, the RGP seeks individuals who embody public service values. Successful candidates will possess:

•      Calmness, sound judgement and sharp attention to detail under pressure.

•      The ability to thrive and collaborate within high-pressure, team-based operational environments.

•      A genuine commitment to delivering excellence and protecting the public.

•    The understanding that, although they will most likely be deployed as ARV officers, they will also be expected to carry out Response Teamduties when required.

 What Force Leaders Say

Senior officers across the organisation highlight the importance of these roles in meeting current and emerging policing demands:

Armed Policing Strategic Lead Supt Paul Chipolina said:

“Armed Policing is universally considered one of the most demanding roles in policing, requiring discipline, sound judgement, and proven experience. Recruiting officers already trained to the ARV standard strengthens protective capability quickly and safely, while Operational Firearms Commander qualifications help enhance the command resilience needed for the most serious incidents. Maintaining public safety across everyday demand, borders, the airport, and major events, requires a professional, accountable armed policing capability. Recognising the service of experienced ARV officers will enable us to enhance our existing capability, build on resilience and continue to uphold the highest standards our community expect.”

Our Armed Response Officers are a testament to the dedication and professionalism of those who step forward to carry this responsibility and play a key role in our commitment to ensure the safety of our community.”

 RGP Spokesman Chief Inspector Dylan Quigley said: 

“We are looking for experienced firearms officers who want to apply their expertise to a meaningful frontline career in a unique policing environment. By recognising officers’ ARV service and offering greater flexibility over where they live, we want to make Gibraltar an attractive next step for the very best ARV officers.”

How to Apply

Detailed role information, eligibility criteria and the application process can be found in the Careers section of the RGP website.