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Tasmanian Constable Killed While Serving Repossession Warrant

Authorities are probing SOG tactics following the first fatal officer shooting in Tasmania in more than a century.

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Constable Keith Smith was fatally shot while on duty at North Motton on Monday. Picture by Katri Strooband

Overview

  • Constable Keith Anthony Smith, 57, a 25-year veteran honored with commissioner’s and national service medals, was formally identified on June 17.
  • Smith was fatally shot on June 16 as he approached a rural property in North Motton to serve a court-ordered home repossession warrant.
  • Special Operations Group officers stationed at the driveway returned fire, wounding the 46-year-old alleged offender, who remains under guard at Launceston General Hospital without charges filed.
  • Professional Standards and coroner’s investigations have been launched to review operational protocols and the circumstances of the shooting.
  • Tasmania Police have mobilized wellbeing support for Smith’s family and the wider police community following the tragedy.