They are a division of SA Police. They wear identical uniform except.... their shirts are white instead of the cops blue and their hat band is blue and yellow check instead of police blue and white. They are all special constables. Carry SAPOL ID and badges.
They are trained at the polce academy and have a 3 rank structure. They are commanded by a chief inspector (SAPOL).
They are armed with batons, CS spray and pistols. They have the power to detain while awaiting SAPOL arrival. They are in direct radio link to their own communication operators via the GRN system. Their operator is based in SAPOL communications centre. These operators alos operate and monitor all government CCTV and alrams from this centre.
They are used to gaurd Parliment hourse, government hourse, all major government buildings, also do mobile patrols of other government buidlings like hospitals and schools.
No cowboys, very well trained and respected. Some people use as a career path to SAPOL. Some others see it as a good career alternative to SAPOL and private security. Their vehicles have been marked as such to avoid being confused with police general patrols. They have magnetic red/blue bar lights in their boots for use in times of disaster or major emergency. I believe they are trained and can be called apon to support SAPOL in times of emergency i.e riot/bushfire ect... they can also support Police in such times by manning road blocks and traffic duties.
Their formation came after a major overhaul of SA government security, a senior doctor was shot dead by a mental health patient in the Citi Centre (the main government bulding in Adelaide.. that also houses the premier and other officals.)
Their website with info is:
http://www.achievemore.com.au/security/index.html