SA Police cadets and Special Task And Rescue (STAR) officers are going high-tech using virtual reality technology for firearms training.
The technology worth $480,000 surrounds police officers with a 300-degree screen that plays out real-life situations such as a domestic violence or drug-related incidents.
Much like a video game, officers use simulated tasers or firearms that, when fired at the screen, mimic injuring or killing a target.
Deputy Police Commissioner Linda Williams said the technology allowed officers to practise communicating with violent people or, if a situation escalated, use prepper spray or ultimately a firearm.
Deputy Commissioner Williams hoped the training would better prepare officers to deal with real-world situations.
"The immersive technology is adding to our professional training and development and being at the forefront of all these new technologies is how we ensure our police are professional as they can be," Deputy Commissioner Williams said.
"It allows us to see their critical thinking skills and it allows the police in their training to see what responses and effect they have on situations."
Currently, 360 cadets train at the state's police academy and will have access to the new technology.
Police Minister Peter Malinauskas said trainees would not just be taught when to use a firearm, but also when force was not necessary.
"It's as much about training around de-escalation as it is about the use of force," he said.
"We've seen the outcome of some pretty tragic circumstances in recent weeks [in the US] where firearms have been used by police officers.
"We are investing every way we can to ensure the safety of our officers and also the safety of the general public."
