Police Commissioner Col Blanch has explained his decision to deploy armed patrols in areas with heightened crime or large crowds such as suburban shopping centres.

Click PLAY to hear the Police Commissioner discuss other key issues.

Speaking to 6PR Mornings host Simon Beaumont, he clarified the move follows the Bondi shooting and is explicitly for the community’s protection.

“If an armed offender turns up then we will take action to protect our community and we will always be at the pointy end of that to make sure people are safe,” he said.

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Image: Supplied