The NSW Police Force’s new Armed Response Command (ARC) is entering its final phase of preparation, with officers undertaking a dedicated week of operational readiness ahead of the Command’s official launch on Sunday 1 November 2026.
This week marks the culmination of six months of intensive specialist training, as carefully selected officers prepare to form part of Australia’s first permanent, dedicated rapid armed response police capability.
Established following the December 2025 Bondi terrorist attack, ARC has been designed to strengthen the NSW Police Force’s ability to prevent, deter and rapidly respond to serious threats, including active armed offender incidents.
Over the past six months, officers have undergone an extensive training program encompassing rifle proficiency, active armed offender response, advanced driver training and tactical medical care.
The final week of operational readiness will see officers consolidate those skills through realistic scenarios, team exercises and assessments, while also receiving their final pieces of specialist equipment, operational kit and uniforms ahead of the Command’s official launch.
Officers will soon be highly visible across Sydney, driving specialist vehicles and carrying rifles. They will conduct patrols at priority locations, major events, crowded public spaces, sporting matches and places of worship. Their presence will form part of a proactive policing approach aimed at deterring threats, strengthening community confidence and ensuring police are positioned to respond when needed.
The week represents the final transition from six months of intensive training and capability development to operational deployment, ensuring officers are fully equipped, prepared and ready to serve the community from day one.
Addressing the recruits, ARC Commander, Detective Superintendent Andrew Evans, said the extensive preparation reflected the responsibility entrusted to officers joining the new Command.
“Operational readiness is about ensuring that if the community needs us on its worst day, we can perform at our best,” Detective Superintendent Evans said.
“The role of the Armed Response Command is built on a simple principle – preserving life.”
The Command will initially operate alongside Operation Shelter, with the existing operation eventually scaling down as ARC builds its staffing and operational capability.
Detective Superintendent Evans said the Command’s success would depend not only on its operational capabilities, but also on the trust it builds with the communities it serves.
“Most importantly, readiness is about people. It’s about trust. Trust between teammates, trust between police and the community, trust that when a critical incident occurs, there are dedicated professionals prepared to act with courage, restraint, compassion and professionalism.”
“When a member of the public sees an ARC vehicle, I want them to feel reassured. I want them to know that there are police officers who are trained, prepared, ready to respond if the unthinkable happens.”
The Armed Response Command will officially commence operations on Sunday 1 November 2026.
