Union passes 'no confidence' vote against SA's top cop and deputy

Police union president Wade Burns (right) says delegates have no confidence in the leadership of SA Police Commissioner Grant Stevens (left). (ABC News: Dean Faulkner)

SA's Police Association delegates have passed a motion of "no confidence" against the leadership of Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams.

The commissioner said he was "disappointed" in the union's move, adding that "resources are at historic record levels".

Commissioner Stevens said changes to the policing model were underway.

South Australia's police union has passed a vote of "no confidence" in the leadership of the police commissioner and his deputy, despite the top cop saying the move was "not reflective" of the feedback he received from officers.

Delegates of the Police Association of South Australia met on Tuesday to discuss staffing pressures, retention and workforce wellbeing.

PASA president Wade Burns said 92 per cent of delegates supported the motion, saying they "have no confidence in [Police Commissioner] Grant Stevens or [Deputy Commissioner] Linda Williams to lead SAPOL to its next phase of reform or to restore workforce confidence".

Mr Burns said the motion did not require the top brass to leave their roles.

"Today's vote is not about resignation. Today's vote is about accountability," he said.

"What happens next is for the government, the commissioner and the deputy commissioner."

The motion was also against the leadership of Deputy Police Commissioner Linda Williams. (ABC News: Che Chorley)

In a statement, Commissioner Stevens said he has spoken to SA Premier Peter Malinauskas, who has publicly backed him and the deputy commissioner.

"The police union’s step is disappointing because, while the delegates have expressed their opinion, it is not reflective of the daily feedback I receive through my constant interaction with officers on the frontline," Commissioner Stevens said.

Mr Burns said the move reflected a range of concerns officers had, including working conditions, organisational reform, morale and the district policing model.

"[An independent] review has found the district policing model is not fit for purpose, it's failed in its current form and members are still working under that model," he said.

"Their working conditions have deteriorated, resignations are on the up, we're seeing more police officers leave the occupation of policing to pursue other careers than previously we would've seen."

But Commissioner Stevens said he had previously acknowledged challenges in attracting officers to work in regional SA but n