Police resources allocated to investigating youth crime, domestic and family violence, cybercrime and retail theft are being significantly boosted.
More than 70 police officers are being redirected to a range of key frontline areas that will provide the most benefit to the community and enhance public safety and well-being.
The majority of the resources - 51 positions - have become available following successful programs such as the introduction of Police Security Officers in custody management areas, the civilianisation of some roles and the rationalisation of some small police stations.
Additional government funding has also delivered another 20 positions.
As part of the major initiative Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens has revealed the formation of a new Youth and Street Gangs Task Force to enhance SAPOL's response into youth crime in South Australia.
The new task force will see the current Operation Meld and Operation Mandrake initiatives merged – with an additional 13 police officers added to its ranks.
An additional nine officers will be allocated to investigate financial and cybercrime and eight added to the successful Operation Measure anti-shoplifting initiative.
Regional communities will also benefit with 14 new positions assigned to volume crime teams and another 13 family and domestic violence investigation officers.
SAPOLs growing reliance on airborne policing operations has also resulted in 14 permanently appointed tactical flight officers who will contribute significantly to community safety and provide vital support to frontline officers involved in a variety of taskings.
Commissioner Stevens said while many of the positions will be filled immediately, others will be filled as resources become available.
"We are focusing resources on frontline roles and doing what matters most in areas that will have the most impact, the most benefit in responding to public concerns over safety and emerging crime trends,'' he said.
"These include areas that both proactively investigate and respond to cybercrime incidents, youth crime, family violence, retail theft and our increasing reliance on airborne law enforcement operations.
"With the growing imbalance between our resources and demand, we will continue to look for opportunities to rationalise services to deliver similar frontline services where they matter the most.''
The Youth and Street Gangs Task Force will continue the work of Operations Meld and Mandrake by responding to the evolving nature of youth street gangs by providing specialist investigative and intelligence skills.
Besides responding to specific incidents, SAPOL is working to break the cycle of criminality and recruitment of young members through interagency collaboration and community engagement.
"Youth crime is not just about the criminality, but the recruitment of younger members, so the task force provides an opportunity to break this cycle," Commissioner Stevens said.
"This permanent task force will disrupt and reduce the criminal activities of a target group of offenders, particularly focusing on crimes of violence that pose a significant risk to community safety."
