Constable Keith Smith: Police officer shot dead at rural property in Ulverstone, Tasmania, identified

Tasmania Police has formally identified the officer killed during a shooting in the state’s north.

Constable Keith Anthony Smith, 57, was a 25-year veteran of the force and was executing a court-ordered warrant with another officer at a property in North Motton on Monday when he was fatally shot.

It marks the first police fatality in the line of duty in Tasmania since 1999.

Police Commissioner Donna Adams confirmed his identity on Tuesday with the consent of his family.

“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.

She said Constable Smith had served in the north and northwest regions throughout his career and had been based in the Ulverstone area for the past five years.

He received the Commissioner’s Medal in 2011 and a 20-year clasp in 2021, as well as the National Police Service Medal in 2016.

“My heart goes out to Keith’s wife and family,” she added.

“We will be supporting them in every way we can during this incredibly difficult time.”

Crime scene investigators returned to the property on Tuesday after battling windy, rainy weather at the scene on Monday night.

“While no other staff have been injured in this terrible incident, all will be impacted by their involvement in such a tragic event,” Ms Adams said.

Const Smith was at the house with another experienced front line officer, with a supporting team of three specialist operations group officers stationed further away at the driveway.

A 46-year-old man from North Motton has been taken into custody and is currently receiving treatment at Launceston General Hospital. No charges have been laid at this stage.

With AAP.