SA Police Commissioner steps down

South Australian Police Commissioner Gary Burns has donned his uniform for the last time.

Commissioner Burns is retiring after 46 years with the force and says child sex abuse, domestic violence, terrorism and organised crime have defined his time in the top job.

"To Grant Stevens, my successor, these are challenging times, but I have no doubt the organisation and the community will be well served by you. South Australia is in safe hands," Mr Burns said in a statement.