Armed police begin patrols in Sydney after Bondi Beach shooting
Specially trained officers carrying long-arm rifles will patrol tourist areas and places of worship to prevent serious threats, according to BBC News.
Heavily-armed police officers have begun patrolling the streets of Sydney as part of increased security measures following last year's shooting at Bondi Beach. The Armed Response Command (ARC) will deploy specially trained officers carrying long-arm rifles in busy tourist areas, according to BBC News.
New South Wales police stated the officers will also patrol places of worship and major events, such as sports matches. Detective Superintendent Andrew Evans said the role of the ARC is built on the principle of preserving life.
The security increase follows a shooting on 14 December where two gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah event. The attack killed 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl, and was Australia's worst mass shooting in almost three decades.
One alleged gunman, Naveed Akram, has been charged with 78 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act. His father, Sajid Akram, was killed by police at the scene after also being armed.
The ARC will eventually consist of 250 officers. While Jewish communities have welcomed the operation, Amnesty International Australia expressed concern regarding the militarisation of policing and asked for assurances that the unit will not suppress peaceful protests.
Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said that while no Australian wants to see officers with military weapons on the streets, the sight of body bags is far worse.