Officers will have the choice of two vests designed to protect against knives, sharp objects and compound bows, as well as pistols, small calibre rifles and shotguns.

“Our front-line officers are subjected to all manner of threats and this roll out ensures we put their safety first and foremost,” NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said.

“These vests provide officers with the best possible protection without impacting on their comfort and equipment load.

“The upgrade of soft body armour complements the roll out of the active armed offender training in providing our officers with the equipment they need to safely and effectively disrupt, prevent and respond to crime,” Commissioner Fuller said.

Canobolas Local Area Command duty officer acting Inspector Tony Borland said there was no date for the vests to arrive but they would be progressively rolled out across the state