New details emerge on fatal shooting of Tasmanian police officer
A Tasmanian police officer killed after arriving to carry out an arranged house repossession had built a 'rapport' with the alleged gunman who shot him.
Despite the presence of Special Operations Group (SOG) officers, it is believed the visit to the Allison Rd, North Motton property was expected to be a high-risk situation.
Constable Keith Anthony Smith, 57, was fatally shot as he and a colleague attended the address on Monday to serve a court warrant to repossess the rural home.
A 46-year-old man – the alleged offender – was shot in the hand and was receiving treatment at Launceston Hospital on Wednesday as investigations continued.
Police Association of Tasmania president Shane Tilley told news.com.au Constable Smith's death had 'put a shockwave' through the department and devastated his family.
'We haven't had an incident like this for over 100 years,' he said.
Mr Tilley said officers would have conducted background checks and reviewed any intelligence records before attending the property, located in a small northwest Tasmanian hamlet near Ulverstone.
He said SOG officers were there to support Constable Smith and his colleague, adding it was not unusual for the tactical unit to be present for such tasks.
'My understanding is it was an arranged meeting at a particular time, and there was some sort of rapport between Keith and the alleged offender,' he said.
'No one expected this outcome.'
Constable Smith, a 25-year police veteran and father, has been remembered as a distinguished officer whose loss 'will be deeply felt across our policing family and the wider community'.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams said in a statement on Wednesday she believed the incident could have been 'even worse' had the SOG not been present.
She explained how the SOG's role had changed in recent years since being established as a full-time unit.
'The 20-member SOG is now primarily used for frontline assistance jobs, supporting uniformed staff with tasks such as family violence and breach of bail matters, and assisting investigators with general searches and property entries,' Commissioner Adams said.
'This is in addition to the high-risk special operations deployments that the community would be familiar with – for example, where tactical capability is provided to safely resolve incidents such as a siege or threat of violence.
'As I have said already, I fear this horrific event would have had even worse outcomes had our dedicated SOG officers not responded so quickly and professionally, with such bravery.
'They and their colleagues from uniform and investigative areas should (be) commended for their efforts.'
Commissioner Adams is expected to front a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Mr Tilley said he had a 'highly-emotional' visit with Constable Smith's wife and daughter, who were 'just devastated'.
'We're just there to support and let (them) know who we are and, and how we can assist in moving forward.'
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