Location of Role: Chelmsford
Advert Closing Date: 22/06/2026
Starting Salary: £27,204.00 (pro-rata for part-time vacancies)
Part/Full Time: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Mon-Fri
Weekend/Evening Working: No
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an individual to undertake the role of Firearms Enquiry Officer (FEO) within the Firearms, Shotguns and Explosive Licensing Section.
Working as part of a small agile team, the role of Firearms Enquiry Officer is challenging yet rewarding and you will deal with a range of enquiries relating to the applications for and suitability of firearms, shotgun, and explosives certificates and holders.
Working primarily with members of the public, you will interview applicants, paying particular attention to any factors that may raise concerns over the suitability of the applicant to hold certification. You will be able to apply professional curiosity and identify clues that indicate risk. You will have the ability to be assertive and impartial whilst making sound objective recommendations, in accordance with national and Essex Police policy and legislative requirements.
Following appropriate training and qualification, Firearms Enquiry Officers will be appointed as Explosives Liaison Officers, with powers and responsibilities as Inspectors under the relevant provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, to inspect and approve explosives storage and to institute proceedings. In respect of these duties’ officers may liaise with Local Authority Trading Standards Officers and the Health and Safety Executive as appropriate.
What we are looking for:
At shortlisting we will be looking for essential evidence of:
1. Can communicate a reasoned argument through reports and verbal communication, demonstrating good analytical skills and attention to detail.
2. Able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of interview planning and have significant interview experience for information-gathering purposes.
3. Can deal with potential conflict situations and is able to diffuse them through appropriate interpersonal skills.
4. A full UK driving licence is essential.
In addition, it would be helpful if you could evidence:
5. Previous firearms experience.
Depending on your current vetting level and security clearances, you may be required to complete additional vetting information during the recruitment process.
Kent Police and Essex Police welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex, or employment status.
If you’re not from the UK, you must be a resident in the UK and have lived here continuously for the last three years. You must also be free from restrictions with indefinite leave to remain. If you’re from the UK you must have lived here continuously for the last three years. This doesn’t apply to those serving abroad in the British Armed Forces.
As a Disability Confident Leader we:
6. Have subjected our Disability Confident self-assessment to external challenge and validation.
7. Are taking an active leadership role in encouraging and helping other employers on their journey to becoming Disability Confident.
Diversity, Equality and Inclusion are central to the values of our organisation. At Essex Police we value and embrace the unique experiences, identities and abilities that each of us bring to our roles. We strive to empower everyone to bring their authentic self openly and safely to work.
Through the dedicated commitment of our support networks, DE&I team and wider HR departments, we are on a journey to embed our DE&I commitments, ensuring Essex Police is an employer of choice; where everyone feels included.
Essex Police and Kent Police are an equal opportunities employer. Communications may be recorded for monitoring purposes.
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