South Australia Police should receive $81 million in funding over the next four years to address staff shortages by recruiting sworn police security officers. 

Reports say new funding will be used to hire 189 sworn police security officers (PSOs) who will assume roles similar to those of police officers. 

This move will allow regular police officers to focus on frontline duties as PSOs take on responsibilities such as conveying and guarding prisoners, transporting individuals detained under the Mental Health Act, and escorting children in state care.

Additionally, PSOs will conduct security patrols, respond to alarms at government agencies, and provide CCTV support in the CBD and on public transport. 

The expanded capabilities of PSOs will include guarding crime scenes, transporting and guarding exhibit property, managing traffic at serious incidents, providing security at major events, recovering stolen vehicles, and conducting welfare checks on vulnerable community members.

The funding increase represents the first for permanent sworn staff since 2018.

The upcoming state budget also allocates an additional $12.2 million to recruit and train new police cadets, with the aim of adding over 900 cadets to the front line by 2026. 

The Police Association of South Australia has expressed support for the funding increase, highlighting that it aligns with their earlier recommendation to the premier's task force.