Guard of Honour as SA Police farewell top cop
The SA police band and the police greys marked Police Commissioner Grant Stevens’ last day in the job after more than four decades of service.
Police Commissioner Grant Stevens wore his badge for the final time on Friday as the police band and a Guard of Honour farewelled the state’s top cop as he prepares to take residence at Government House as SA’s next Governor.
After more than 40 years of service, Commissioner Stevens was farewelled from police headquarters by colleagues including the Mounted Operations Unit, motorcycle police and a performance by the police band.
Police closed off Angas Street outside of headquarters as hundreds of friends, colleagues, family members and bystanders watched as trumpets and drums saw the longstanding commissioner off in style.
Stevens stood atop a podium to watch as the police horses, motorcade and the police band march past.
He saluted his colleagues and embraced with wife Emma and Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams as he handed her the keys to the station before leaving in a car with a police escort.
Stevens first joined SA Police as a teenager in 1982 and his career has included frontline policing, criminal investigations, major crime, intelligence, training and senior executive leadership, and as an Assistant Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner.
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He was made Police Commissioner in 2015.
In his time, the Commissioner won the hearts of South Australians for his commitment to the job, an outpouring of support followed the tragic death of his 18-year-old son Charlie after a hit-and-run during Schoolies Week.
“Throughout his career, he has dedicated himself to serving the South Australian community, leading SAPOL alongside the people who work every day to keep our state safe,” a SAPOL statement said.
“As he prepares to take on his new role as Governor of South Australia, we thank him for his decades of service and commitment to the community.”
Stevens, who has been on a salary of $668,658, replaced former commissioner Gary Burns and has led the state’s police force for the past 11 years.
During this time, Stevens coordinated SA’s policing efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic, overseeing the state’s response including directions on quarantine, border closure, and other activities after declaring a Major Emergency.
In 2003, he founded and led SAPOL’s Paedophile Task Force that resulted in 10 men being arrested and locked up for historical sex crimes.
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In 2025, he was named a South Australian of the Year nominee for his advocacy for road safety, youth engagement and organ donation following the death of his youngest son Charlie two years prior.
He was appointed in November 2024 as chair of the Operation Flinders Foundation, which aims to support young people through remote outback adventure programs.
Stevens role was not free from controversy. In June this year, the SA Police Union passed a vote of no confidence against the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams, but no action was taken.
The Union’s unprecedented move came amid concerns about workforce conditions, operational performance, organisational reform and leadership accountability with South Australia Police.
Stevens still had one year and nine months remaining on his contract before Premier Peter Malinauskas announced he would be SA’s 37th Governor.
He replaces former Governor Frances Adamson who ended her five-year tenure in October, and will be sworn in on December 9 for a five-year term, moving into Government House on North Terrace with his wife, Emma.
Stevens would also have to step aside from his role as an Adelaide Football Club board member.
“Serving the people of South Australia as a police officer has been the privilege of my working life. As Governor, I will bring that same commitment to service, together with a deep respect for the constitutional responsibilities and impartiality of the office,” Stevens said.
“South Australia is home to remarkable people who give so much to their communities. Emma and I look forward to meeting people across the State, supporting their efforts and celebrating the achievements that make South Australia such a special place.”
Deputy Commissioner Williams will assume the role of Acting Commissioner following Stevens’ departure.
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