The veteran police officer stabbed by an alleged sex offender during a violent confrontation in Sydney's east is a "dedicated" detective who is passionate about helping abused children, colleagues say.

Detective Sergeant John Breda was stabbed while attempting to arrest Nick Newman, 33, over alleged sex offences at the Maroubra Junction Hotel.

The 45-year-old officer suffered internal abdominal injuries and a laceration to his liver and was taken to St Vincents Hospital in a critical condition.

He had surgery for his injuries on Friday night and is in a serious but stable condition.

Acting NSW Police Commissioner David Hudson said on Saturday morning that doctors were comfortable with Mr Breda's progress so far.

"However he is by no means out of danger," he said.

"All of the police have their fingers crossed and are saying prayers for him."

Police Minister Troy Grant said being told one of the state's finest officers had been injured so seriously was "the worst phone call a minister can get".

"It will be a long process for him and his family both physically and emotionally … anything they need, we are there for them."

Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec described Detective Sergeant Breda as "an exceptionally dedicated and experienced senior investigator who has committed his career to keeping the community safe".

"In his time in his current role within the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad, he has investigated numerous incidents of child abuse and serious neglect," he said.

The ABC's 7.30 interviewed Detective Breda when it was given exclusive access to the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes (CASC) squad in June 2017.

He has previously worked in the Property Crime Squad and the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad but he told the ABC his work in the CASC squad was unique and rewarding.

"You can't share some of the things that we see with people," he said.

"It's just the way it is unfortunately, because you don't want to burden them with what you've seen and heard."

He said members of the squad relied on each other for support during difficult cases.

Sorry, this video has expired NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton details the Maroubra incident

"It's not for every police officer," he said.

"Some people wish to be there, and you don't have to be here if you don't want to, but everyone that's here wants to be here to help children."

NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Walton said Detective Breda was a respected and dedicated officer.

"He's very well regarded by his peers," Assistant Commissioner Walton said at a press conference.

"There will be a lot of people who are very concerned about his condition."

Detective Sergeant Breda has a wife and young family.