Investigations continue today into the tragic shooting death of a Tasmania Police officer in the state's North-West on Monday.
With the permission of the officer's family, Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams has confirmed the officer is Constable Keith Anthony Smith, a 25-year veteran of the police service.
Constable Smith, 57, was shot and killed at a rural property in North Motton on Monday morning as he and a fellow officer attended the premises to serve a court-ordered warrant to repossess the home.
Commissioner Adams said Constable Smith was a dedicated officer over a distinguished career with Tasmania Police, who was highly regarded and admired by his colleagues.
Constable Smith had worked in communities across the North and North-West and, for the past five years, was an officer working at Ulverstone police station.
"Keith was a respected and committed officer, and his loss will be deeply felt across our policing family and the wider community," Commissioner 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.
"The Blue Family will come together today, and over the next days and weeks, and will support the family and each other."
The family of Constable Smith has asked for privacy at this time.
Constable Smith joined Tasmania Police on September 25, 2000, graduating on May 11, 2001, as part of Course 3/2000, and was a passionate cyclist, participating in the 2011 Charity Trust bike ride.
Constable Smith served in Northern District in both the Northern Crime Management Unit and uniform roles until 2020, when he transferred to Ulverstone uniform. He received the Commissioner's Medal in 2011 and 20-year clasp in 2021, as well as the National Police Service Medal (15 years) in 2016.
Commissioner Adams acknowledged emergency services who responded to the incident and assisted at the scene on Monday.
She praised investigators and forensics officers who examined the scene and worked late into the night, through difficult weather conditions, gathering evidence.
"While no other staff have been injured in this terrible incident, all will be impacted by their involvement in such a tragic event," Commissioner Adams said.
A 46-year-old North Motton man remains in Launceston General Hospital, under police guard, having undergone surgery for non life-threatening injuries.
No charges have yet been laid.
