Chief Inspector Alby Quinn said this was standard practice as incidents such as this one can be traumatising for those involved.

“We’re lucky we didn’t have a couple of police officers killed,” he said.

“Those high risk jobs are traumatic.

“All officers involved in high risk incidents are offered counselling as part of the normal process.”

Senior Sergeant Andrew Bartlett said the call to the counsellors was the second call they made on the day and that it’s a matter of Occupational Health and Safety.

“It’s a matter of course.

“It’s far better having a functioning officer than a traumatised officer.”

Despite the harrowing incident, resulting in the arrest of three people at gunpoint, the officers are doing well, according to Chief Inspector Quinn.

“They’re doing well and haven’t missed a day of work,” he said.

“All police officers did an absolutely excellent job on the day.”

The alleged offenders, a 28 year old woman and 33 year old man from Gawler and a 21 year old man from Craigmore have been charged with theft, acts to endanger lives and aggravated driving engaging in a pursuit to avoid police apprehension.

According to Chief Inspector Quinn and Senior Sergeant Bartlett, some of the charges carry heavy penalties and could result in up to 20 years imprisonment if the alleged offenders are found guilty.

The trio were denied bail and will appear in Whyalla Magistrates Court to face the charges on July 24.