Police in South Australia will soon be issued with "load-bearing" vests that are resistant to stabbing attacks with knives, screwdrivers and metal bars.
The announcement comes as more than $8 million in the state's budget is allocated towards the safety and security of police officers in the state.
Around 3000 stab-proof vests will be rolled out over two years, with the vests to be worn for the officer's entire shifts.
The vests replace previous ballistic models which were put on depending on the situation, costing officers precious time in some incidents.
"They are able to have that protection on them at all times, as opposed to carrying ballistic vests in the vehicles they're using and having to only bring them out when they go to certain types of jobs," said SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens.
The state's Premier Steven Marshall welcomed the news, noting that the police had performed admirably during a very arduous year.
"We've got to make sure that we are protecting those who are protecting us," Mr Marshall said.
The commercial contract for the new vests is still a closely guarded secret, with many calling for them to be produced locally.
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