$94M armed police command begins operations

NSW Police has launched its new Armed Response Command (ARC), providing specialist officers to respond rapidly to serious security threats across Sydney. Backed by $94.3M, the command was established following last December's Bondi terrorist attack. Officers equipped with rifles and specialist vehicles will patrol major events, crowded public spaces and places of worship. A 24-hour intelligence centre will coordinate deployments and assess emerging threats. At full strength, ARC will include 250 police officers and 28 civilian staff. The command will initially operate alongside Operation Shelter, gradually assuming greater responsibility for high-risk security operations across Sydney.