NSW Police will work with Events NSW, Cricket NSW and SCG Security to ensure there is a sufficient police presence ahead of the Ashes series in Sydney from Sunday.
A capacity crowd is expected to attend the Sydney Cricket Ground tomorrow (Sunday 4 December 2026).
Uniformed and Mounted Police will be out in force, performing high-visibility patrols to ensure safety and reassure the public.
Public Order and Riot Squad officer will also be present with visible long-arm rifles.
Assistant Commissioner Leanne McCusker APM, commander of Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics, said the increased visibility of long-arms is not due to a specific threat.
"I want to emphasise that there is not any active or imminent threat," she said.
"All PORS officers are rifle trained and have been for some time, this does not reflect any recent change in capability or weaponry."
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said police want to reassure the public that they can gather in large crowds without concern.
"Many people may not be used to seeing police carrying rifles at sporting events, but our objective here is to help the public feel safe and police will be out in force," Commissioner Lanyon said.
"The difference will be in the visibility of long-arms and a stronger presence. Police will otherwise be targeting antisocial and unsafe behaviour as usual," he said.
