Armed Jewish Security 'Favouritism', Says NSW Police Deputy Commissioner

Sydney, NSW — Arming private security personnel for Jewish community events could be seen as “favouritism” and erode public confidence in law enforcement, a senior New South Wales Police officer has told a royal commission. The stark warning comes as the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion examines the intricate and increasingly fraught landscape of security provisions for the state's Jewish population, particularly in the wake of recent global and local tensions.

Deputy Commissioner Michael Willing articulated the NSW Police Force’s reservations to the commission, which this week focused its hearings on community security arrangements. His testimony pushed back against submissions from some quarters advocating for the Community Security Group (CSG), a volunteer organisation, to be granted permission to carry firearms, particularly in the wake of the Bondi Junction terror attack.

Policing Principle at Stake

Deputy Commissioner Willing highlighted the fundamental principle that firearm possession is, and should remain, the purview of the state’s sworn police officers. He explained that any deviation from this standard, especially for a specific community group, risks undermining the broader perception of impartiality and equal treatment under the law. “Allowing a private security group, however well-intentioned or trained, to carry firearms could be perceived as preferential treatment,” Willing reportedly told the commission, as detailed by Guardian NSW politics. “This could, in turn, lead to questions and demands from other communities, ultimately diminishing trust in the police force’s ability to protect all citizens equally.”

The NSW Police Force currently collaborates closely with the CSG, which provides unarmed security presence at Jewish events and institutions. This partnership is built on intelligence sharing, training, and coordinated responses to potential threats. The Deputy Commissioner emphasised the existing robust framework, suggesting that expanding the powers of private groups could complicate rather than enhance overall security.

Community Calls for Enhanced Protection

Calls for the CSG to be armed have gained momentum following a series of incidents, including the attack at Bondi Junction and rising antisemitic sentiment globally. Proponents argue that an armed CSG could offer an immediate, on-the-ground defence, bridging the gap before police response teams arrive. They point to enhanced threat levels and the need for communities to be empowered to protect themselves in an increasingly volatile environment.

Witnesses appearing before the commission have detailed concerns over the escalating nature of threats, suggesting that unarmed security, while valuable, may no longer be sufficient. The Jewish community, like others facing specific threats, grapples with balancing the desire for robust self-defence with the broader implications of private citizens carrying firearms.

The Broader Implications of Private Arming

The commission’s inquiry into this specific request extends beyond the Jewish community, shining a light on the broader societal implications of allowing private entities to be armed. Legal and ethical frameworks surrounding the use of force, accountability, and the potential for unintended escalation of violence are all under intense scrutiny. Deputy Commissioner Willing’s testimony underscored these complexities, warning of a slippery slope where various community groups might legitimately seek similar provisions, leading to a fragmented and potentially less secure public space.

The NSW government has historically maintained a strict stance on firearm control, reserving the right to use lethal force almost exclusively for law enforcement and military personnel. Any change to this policy would represent a significant shift, requiring careful consideration of its impact on social cohesion and public safety across the entire state. The royal commission's final recommendations, expected later this year, will undoubtedly be closely watched by diverse community groups and security professionals alike.