Keith Anthony Smith: Charges imminent over shooting death of Tasmanian police officer

A man under police guard in hospital over the fatal shooting of an experienced and respected officer is expected to soon be criminally charged.

Keith Anthony Smith, 57, was killed at a rural property at North Motton in northwest Tasmania on Monday while serving a court-ordered repossession notice.

A 46-year-old man, a resident of the property, surrendered after being shot in the hand by a supporting specialist officer and has undergone surgery.

“We hope with the advice from medical practitioners ... to be in a position to speak to the offender (on Thursday),” Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams said.

“(We have) the hope of laying charges towards the end of the day.”

Constable Smith was shot after getting out of his car, while another experienced officer with him escaped unharmed.

It was the first fatal shooting of a police officer in Tasmania since 1922.

Ms Adams said the situation could have been worse if not for the quick actions of three specialist officers positioned at the bottom of the driveway.

There were also two “civilians” at the house as part of the repossessing team, she said.

Const Smith, who had served for 25 years, has been remembered as a dedicated and respected officer with a passion for cycling and charity bike rides.

His family have accepted an offer for a police funeral, with details to be finalised.

The incident is the subject of several investigations, including the criminal probe and a police professional standards review.

Ms Adams said specialist officers were routinely deployed as back up to frontline police work, if requested.

She said the gun used in the shooting was a rifle, but didn’t comment when asked if it was registered or whether the man had a firearm licence.

Whether the incident was planned would also form part of the criminal investigation, she said.

The man was the only person at the residence and the repossession order related to him.

Tributes from across Australia have flowed for Const Smith, while flowers and messages of support have been left at police stations in northwest Tasmania.

Investigators battled horrendous wet, windy and cold weather at the scene to gather evidence across two days, Ms Adams said.

“I want to thank every single person who has been involved in the first response,” she said.

“I walked around Devonport and Ulverstone and the level of support from the community has been overwhelming.

“I had so many people stop me and thank us for our service.”