Tasmania’s police commissioner has named the officer fatally shot on Monday while on duty as Constable Keith Anthony Smith, a 25-year veteran of the police service.
Constable Smith, 57, was shot dead while taking part in “routine duties” at a rural property at North Motton property in the state’s north-west.
“Keith was a respected and committed officer, and his loss will be deeply felt across our policing family and the wider community,” Commissioner Donna Adams said.
“My heart goes out to Keith’s wife and family. We will be supporting them in every way we can during this incredibly difficult time.”
Constable Smith was shot as he approached a house to execute a court-ordered warrant to repossess the house.
Special Operations Group (SOG) police who were in attendance shot the alleged offender in the hand, after which he surrendered, police said.
Constable Smith died at the scene.
The 46-year-old alleged offender remains in Launceston General Hospital, under police guard, having undergone surgery for non life-threatening injuries.
No charges have been laid.
In a statement, Commissioner Adams praised the emergency services who responded and assisted at the scene, along with investigators and forensics officers who gathered evidence.
“While no other staff have been injured in this terrible incident, all will be impacted by their involvement in such a tragic event,” she said.
Fallen officer ‘admired by colleagues’
Commissioner Adams said Constable Smith was “highly regarded and admired by his colleagues”.
She said Constable Smith had a distinguished career and received the Commissioner’s Medal in 2011 and 20-year clasp in 2021, as well as the National Police Service Medal for 15 years of service in 2016.
Constable Smith was stationed at the Ulverstone police station at the time of his death, after having worked with communities in the north and north-west of the state for five years.
The family of Constable Smith has asked for privacy at this time.
Loading