This event took place when Stevens was serving as a 28-year-old officer with the Elizabeth Criminal Investigation Branch (CIB), triggering a new internal investigation.

The commissioner confirmed the incident followed a media report over the weekend. 

“In the course of trying to force entry… I accidentally discharged my firearm,” he said. 

No one was injured and Stevens said the incident was the subject of an internal investigation at the time.

As for why it’s surfaced three decades on, Stevens said he isn’t sure.

“I can’t comment on the motivations for whoever relayed this incident to a journalist, but it is what it is,” he said. 

“I don’t shy away from it and it certainly doesn’t distract me from the job I’m doing today.

“I don’t know what the motivation is, I don’t know who’s disclosed the story – it’s not something I’ve shied away from.”

Typically, the officer’s identity would remain confidential at this stage of the investigation, but Stevens opted to disclose his own name to prevent other senior officers from being suspected.

The South Australian government has expressed its full support for Stevens. 

“We have 100 per cent faith in the police commissioner, we back him 100 per cent,” cabinet minister Nick Champion said.