Sydney police launch Armed Response Command following Bondi attack

New specialist police units have begun patrolling Sydney in response to the December mass shooting at a Hanukkah event near Bondi Pavilion. The Armed Response Command (ARC) became operational on Sunday, featuring high-visibility patrols at major events, sporting venues, crowded public spaces, and places of worship.

Backed by a $94.3 million investment from the NSW government, the permanent unit is expected to eventually include 250 officers and 28 civilian intelligence analysts. Officers have undergone six months of specialist training in rifle use, tactical medical care, advanced driving, and armed offender response. The unit will be supported by a 24-hour operations centre in Surry Hills to provide real-time intelligence to crews on the ground.

In addition to the new patrols, the state government is launching a sweeping firearm buyback scheme to remove reclassified and surplus weapons from the community.