Funding has been earmarked in the 2025-26 State Budget for new firearms for South Australia’s police officers.
The $6.8 million allocation over four years will be used to replace the current semi-automatic pistol used by SA Police, which is no longer being manufactured.
The funding will be used to purchase and roll out the replacement model, as well as to conduct associated training.
The use of pistols by SA Police is extremely rare.
Over the past 18 months, members of SA Police have used their firearm 808 times, with the vast majority of these occasions (673) relating to the lawful destruction of animals.
The remaining 135 occasions included the sighting or levelling of a firearm.
The semi-automatic handgun is just one of the tactical options available to SA Police to help police officers, police security officers and community constables perform their duties.
Batons, electronic control devices (Tasers) and capsicum spray are all issued to frontline officers, while long arm firearms are also used by specialist units and for the destruction of animals in regional locations.
In addition to the new pistols, close to 1200 new multi-purpose police vests have already been rolled out, as part of a $6.5 million commitment in the 2022-23 State Budget.
South Australian Police Commissioner Grant Stevens said that ensuring officers had the most reliable and effective equipment was "paramount to maintaining public safety".
"The new pistols will enhance our operational safety capabilities and provide our officers with the tools they need to safely resolve critical incidents," Commissioner Stevens said.
"While the use of firearms is infrequent, having access to reliable pistols is essential for the safety of SAPOL members and the community.”
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