Tactical police unveil new military-style arsenal

The Public Order Riot Squad. The name says it all.

A unit which finds its officers constantly thrust into danger, whether it be a protest or a wild brawl.

Today the squad was deployed into a new role of law enforcement; 47 officers, loaded up with Colt M4 semi automatic rifles, to take on terrorist or criminals who want to bring harm to the community.

The roll-out of the high powered rifles was a key recommendation in the coroner's report into the Lindt Cafe siege three years ago.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said the "officers had undergone rigorous training in order to be armed with rifles on the streets of Sydney".

He conceded the sight of police officers armed with machine gun style weapons was "confronting" but in the current environment it's "a reality... I don't want the public to feel confronted, I want them not only to be safe, but to feel safe."

Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson, who oversaw the training of the police, said the rifles provide officers with greater strategic scope when responding to high risk incidents.

The police, with the new weapons, are expected to hit the streets during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

There will also will mobile teams ready to respond at minutes notice.

"The criminals won't know when the firearms are deployed but be sure they will be out and its a capability we will continue to grow," Commissioner Fuller said.

By the middle of next year, its anticipated all 100 members of the Public Order and Riot Squad will be trained up use the new rifles.