Armed Response Command hits the streets ahead of Bondi anniversary

NSW Police will begin putting officers from its new Armed Response Command onto Sydney streets in the coming weeks, with the unit expected to be operational before the first anniversary of the Bondi Beach terror attack.

The government unveiled the first look at the command on Thursday, with training underway and 24 purpose-built vehicles being delivered. Officers, rifles and specialist vehicles will become visible across Sydney as training moves out of dedicated facilities and into realistic environments.

Backed by a $94.3 million investment, the command makes Operation Shelter permanent, converting what began as a reactive surge operation into a round-the-clock rapid response unit. At full strength it will have 250 officers and 28 civilian staff, meaning police will no longer be rotated out of Police Area Commands.

Operation Shelter was launched in October 2023 in response to rising antisemitic incidents, and was dramatically expanded after the Bondi attack on December 14.

The command will be high-visibility and intelligence-led, patrolling high-risk areas and providing an increased police presence at places of worship, major events and other locations as needed. A 24/7 specialised Police Operations Centre will support it with response, coordination, training, logistics and intelligence.