Police officers across Tasmania have reached out to their union expressing heartbreak after a colleague was shot and killed, prompting calls for greater support from the community.
Police Association of Tasmania president Shane Tilley said members had contacted the union following the death of Constable Keith Smith, who was fatally shot while serving a repossession warrant in North Motton on Monday.
“Our members across the state have reached out to our organisation, to me personally,” Tilley told Local Radio on Tuesday.
“I know that they’re devastated with yesterday’s loss of our colleague and they’ll feel the effects of this for a long time.”
Smith, 57, was a 25-year veteran of Tasmania Police. He was shot around 11am yesterday as he approached a rural property in the north-west.
The alleged gunman was arrested a short time later by members of the Special Operations Group, who had been stationed nearby.
The union moved quickly to support Smith’s family and the second officer who witnessed the shooting. Executive members stayed with the family “all day and most of the night”.
“I understand that he’s highly distressed,” Tilley said of the surviving officer.
“We’ll reach out to him. We’ll go and visit him and spend some time with him, as much time as he needs.”
Tilley is urging Tasmanians to show their support for police officers during this difficult time.
“Reach out to your local police officers when you see them on the road or if you have contact with them,” he said.
“If you know them personally, reach out to them, send them a message, have a quick conversation with them, show them your support.”
“We’re on the ground 24/7. So whatever you can do to reach out to your local police, please do. Even if it’s a short message, it means a lot.”
The alleged offender is currently recovering from surgery at the Launceston General Hospital after being shot in the hand.
Police are continuing to investigate the incident and will interview him at a later time.
