NSW police to carry rifles openly during public training
NSW Police will train with rifles in public after the Bondi Beach attack killed 15 people in December 2024.
NSW Police's Armed Response Command unit will begin training by carrying long-armed rifles openly in public. NSW Premier Chris Minns announced the unit in February.
The state allocated $94 million to the program. At full capacity, the unit will have 250 officers and 28 staff with access to assault rifles and special vehicles.
The officers will patrol high-risk areas and protect places of worship. They will cover major events around the clock.
Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the visible presence aims to deter potential offenders. Minns said the unit may never face a major incident, but NSW Police want to be ready if one occurs.
- 15 people killed in December 2024
- Bondi Beach toll
- $94 million allocated
- Funding
Why it mattersThe armed unit shows how NSW Police are responding to mass attacks and terrorism threats in public places.
AustraliaAustralians visiting or working near high-risk areas in NSW will see rifle-armed police as a new part of the security landscape.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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