The Minns Labor Government is today unveiling the first look at NSW Police's Australian-first Armed Response Command (ARC) - a dedicated, highly trained and permanent police unit designed to rapidly respond to serious threats and protect the community.
Training is underway with 24 purpose-built vehicles being delivered as the Command prepares to become operational.
Over the coming weeks, the community can expect to see ARC officers, rifles and specialist vehicles on the streets as training moves from dedicated training facilities into realistic environments across Sydney. This is the next, public phase of training.
ARC will be a high-visibility, intelligence-led unit capable of rapidly responding to emerging threats, patrolling high-risk areas, and providing an increased police presence at places of worship, major events and other locations where it is needed.
Backed by a $94.3 million investment, ARC will make permanent and transition Operation Shelter from a reactive surge operation, to a permanent, round-the-clock rapid response unit.
Operation Shelter was first launched in October 2023 in response to heightened community tensions including an increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents.
At full strength, ARC will have 250 officers and 28 civilian staff, meaning that police will no longer be rotated out of Police Area Commands.
Officers will have access to rifles and a fleet of purpose-built vehicles, including BMW X5s and Toyota LandCruisers. The vehicles contain specially designed gun safes to secure rifles. Officers are currently undergoing advanced driver training.
The NSW Police Force has selected the Australian Combat Assault Rifle (ACAR), manufactured by Lithgow Small Arms in NSW, as the most suitable weapon following extensive field and endurance testing.
A 24/7 specialised Police Operations Centre will support the command including with response, coordination, training, logistics and intelligence.
The Command is informed by global best practice with a senior NSW Police Force delegation travelling to the United Kingdom and Germany in January to study their rapid response models, ultimately informing ARC.
The Armed Response Command builds on a suite of reforms introduced by the Minns Labor Government to improve community safety and protect social cohesion, including:
- Tough firearms reforms, stricter licence requirements and a gun buyback to remove dangerous weapons from the community
- New offences banning the public display of terrorist organisation symbols and further action to address hateful speech reinforce efforts to reduce division, intimidation and hate in NSW.
Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:
"The security challenges facing our state have changed, and our policing model needs to change with them.
"Keeping the people of New South Wales safe is our number one priority. That means making sure our police have the people, training and equipment they need to respond to serious threats.
"We hope these officers are never called on to respond to a major incident. But if one happens, NSW Police are ready.
"People will start seeing these officers and their vehicles around Sydney as training gets underway. This is about being prepared for the worst and making sure we can keep the community safe."
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
"This is about backing police with the right capability to detect, prevent and respond to threats.
"The new Armed Response Command is based on global best practice. Police travelled to Europe to study how other major police forces respond to threats; they've taken that on board and will soon be ready to launch an Australian-first rapid response unit.
"These officers are highly trained, with specialist equipment, purpose-built vehicles and a live operation centre. What we're delivering is a rapid, 24/7 response that the community should have confidence in."
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said:
"ARC will not only provide a policing rapid response, but it will also be a deterrent for those who wish to commit harm, incite hatred or cause fear.
"No matter where you are located across Sydney, we want all communities to feel reassured that police can be anywhere, at anytime, to keep people safe.
"The environment in NSW has changed, so the way we police the community has changed and what the community expect from us, has changed."
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