DEPUTY Police Commissioner Gary Burns has confirmed he will apply for the Police Commissioner's role vacated by the retiring Mal Hyde.

Mr Burns told the media he will apply but would not be drawn on whether a South Australian candidate would be better suited to the position.

"That will be up for a selection panel and the government to determine."

Mr Hyde will leave the role after 15 years when his current contract expires on July 20 this year.

Police Minister Jennifer Rankine confirmed yesterday the State Government would advertise nationally to fill the role.

In a message to police employees, Mr Hyde yesterday said he recently informed Ms Rankine he would not seek an extension of his current contract, which ends on July 20.

Ms Rankine said the State Government would advertise nationally for the position.

"Mal Hyde has left a legacy of very capable and competent people in the hierarchy of the South Australian Police Force to choose from, but I think it's only fair we advertise nationally," she said.

"By advertising nationally we can be sure we've got the best person to serve South Australia."

Mr Hyde, 62, has served as South Australia's top cop for 15 years after starting his career with Victoria Police in 1966 as an eager 16-year-old. He moved to administration in 1985 and gained qualifications in a number of areas, including a law degree with honours at the University of Melbourne and a masters in business administration.

He became SA's Police Commissioner in 1997 after being deputy commissioner with Victoria Police.

Mr Hyde was at the helm during the successful capture and prosecution of the so-called bodies-in-the-barrels killers and most recently has centred his efforts on the fight to control bikie gangs.

Ms Rankine commended Mr Hyde for a drop in victim-reported crime and increased diversity in the police force.

"You go to the police academy today and you see women, you see people of diverse backgrounds, you see people of diverse ages and people who have had very different occupations and a wealth of experience within our community," she said.

Ms Rankine would not commit to a timeline for the appointment of Mr Hyde's replacement.

"I'm taking advice from the Commissioner for Public Employment about the appropriate process and the sort of people we need on a selection panel to make sure we get the right candidate," she said.

The Police Association of South Australia declined to comment on Mr Hyde's legacy due to the varied opinions of its members.

The State Opposition praised Mr Hyde for his service at the recent opening of the Fort Largs Police Academy.

MALCOLM ARTHUR HYDE

AGE: 62

BORN: February 13, 1950, at Mildura, Victoria

CAREER: 1966, joined Victoria Police in Melbourne, aged 16

1985: Moved to administration

1987: Finished a law degree through University of Melbourne, completing mature-age studies with honours

1990: Became a Master in Business Administration

1992: Appointed Victorian assistant commissioner (Corporate Police, Planning and Review)

1993: Appointed Victorian assistant commissioner (Administration)

1994: Appointed Victorian deputy commissioner

1997: Appointed South Australia Police Commissioner

Originally published as Deputy wants police commissioner's job