The Civil Nuclear Constabulary's (CNC) Exercise &
Resilience Team put the Command and Control Centre (CCC) to the test in Operation
Hermes, simulating a site attack through a series of realistic
calls. The exercise evaluated the CCC's ability to respond
swiftly and accurately, triggering the right internal and
external notifications under pressure.
On Wednesday, control room officers were required to implement
established procedures, alerting the force's Strategic Firearms
Commander, Tactical Advisors, and external partners including the
local Home Office police control room, Counter Terrorism Command,
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and relevant military
units. The scenario was fully simulated, focusing on
decision-making, information flow, and coordination, rather than
on-site activity.
Steve Warren, Exercise and Resilience Manager, said: “These
exercises challenge our team to make the right notifications,
record and relay critical information, and identify the
appropriate agencies and command structures to involve. Even
simulated, the pressure mirrors real-life incidents and tests the
skills our CCC
officers rely on every day.”
This marks the first Operation Hermes exercise in two years.
Steve added, “The team performed exceptionally, demonstrating
both speed and accuracy. Over the coming months, we will run
further exercises, incorporating live interaction with external
partners to enhance realism.”
Operation Hermes forms part of the force's ongoing resilience and
readiness programme, ensuring that all systems, personnel, and
procedures are rigorously tested to deliver an effective response
whenever required.
