Armed Response Command begins operations
The $94.3 million unit will patrol places of worship, major events and crowded spaces, with Operation Shelter to scale down as it takes on more work
The NSW Police Armed Response Command (ARC) became operational on Sunday, almost a year after the Bondi Beach terror attack that prompted its creation.
Backed by $94.3 million, the command will provide high-visibility, intelligence-led patrols with rifle capability at priority locations, major events, crowded public spaces, sporting venues and places of worship.
Officers will travel in purpose-built vehicles fitted with secure firearm storage and carry locally made Australian Combat Assault Rifles. A 24-hour operations centre will support them with real-time information, threat assessments and deployment coordination.
At full strength the command will comprise 250 police officers and 28 civilian intelligence analysts and support staff. Officers have completed six months of specialist training in rifle proficiency, active armed offender response, advanced driver training and tactical medical care.
ARC will initially operate alongside Operation Shelter, established in October 2023 in response to heightened community tensions including a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents. Operation Shelter will gradually scale down as ARC assumes greater responsibility, while maintaining a visible police presence.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley said the state now had a permanent capability ready to respond around the clock.
“This is about backing our police with the capability they need to detect threats early and respond rapidly when the community needs them,” Catley said. “NSW Police are better equipped than ever to keep the people of NSW safe and this Government will continue backing them with the resources they need to do their job.”
ARC commander Detective Superintendent Andrew Evans said the command had been built from the ground up with one overriding purpose, preserving life. “The ARC Operations Centre is a dedicated nerve centre bringing together intelligence, technology and frontline policing to help us identify emerging threats and rapidly deploy our officers where they are needed most,” Evans said.
“The tragic events at Bondi demonstrated the devastating consequences when an alleged armed offender attacks innocent people. Since that time, we have looked at international best practice and strengthened our capabilities to prevent another tragedy.
“ARC ensures we have highly trained officers in the right places, with the right equipment, ready to act when seconds matter.”
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon told The AJN in June that units would be deployed differently to general duties police, who can be tied up on other jobs. “We can’t be everywhere, but we can be anywhere,” he said, adding that deployment would be intelligence-driven, drawing on information from community members and the CSG, and that unit locations would not be disclosed.
He said at the time that he expected a significant ARC presence by the Bondi anniversary, and that Chanukah would be risk-assessed with a significant presence given what happened last year.