Tasmania Police are preparing to interview the man accused of shooting dead Constable Keith Smith, with charges expected to be laid as early as tomorrow.
The 25-year veteran officer was killed on Monday while serving a repossession warrant at a rural property in North Motton in the state’s north-west.
It is the first time a police officer has been shot and killed in Tasmania since 1922, sending shockwaves through the force and the wider community.
Police Commissioner Donna Adams said on Wednesday that investigators hoped to speak with the alleged shooter within the next 24 hours, depending on medical advice from staff at Launceston General Hospital.
“We hope … to be in a position to speak to the offender tomorrow with a view of hopefully laying charges towards the end of the day,” Adams said.
The alleged gunman was shot in the hand by a member of the Special Operations Group (SOG). He has undergone surgery since the incident and was due for another operation today.
Adams confirmed Constable Smith’s family had accepted a police funeral.
“We will work with the family over coming days to arrange a police funeral to ensure that Keith gets the due recognition for what has been an outstanding 25-year career,” Adams said.
“But also allowing the family, his colleagues and the broader community the opportunity to farewell him and say thank you for his outstanding service.”
The incident unfolded around 11am on Monday, when two uniformed officers from Ulverstone arrived at the property to serve the repossession warrant.
Three SOG members had accompanied them in a “frontline assist” capacity to provide backup if needed, Adams said. They did not enter the property immediately but were stationed nearby.
“On arrival at the property, the two police officers exited the police vehicle and shortly thereafter Constable Keith Smith was tragically shot and killed,” Adams said.
“Having heard the gunshots, the three members of the SOG transitioned to their tactical kit, placed on their body armour, changed their weaponry and made their way up the driveway to where they had heard the shots had been fired.”
Two civilians involved in the repossession process were also present at the scene and are now key witnesses.
Adams said they “may have been in significant danger had it not been for the professional and swift actions of our special operations group”.
The commissioner declined to give further details about the alleged shooter’s background, including whether he had a firearms licence or if the rifle used was registered.
“We are starting to get into some really key areas of the investigation. It’s important that I don’t compromise the criminal investigation,” Adams said.
“We want this individual to be brought before the courts. We want there to be a professional and robust investigation that can withstand any scrutiny.”
Adams said the support from the community and police forces across the country had been “overwhelming”.
She said the loss has particularly affected Constable Smith’s partner, who witnessed the shooting.
“He is traumatised,” Adams said. “We will wrap our arms around him and we will do everything we can to support him and his family.”
Several investigations are now underway, including criminal, coronial and professional standards inquiries, as well as a workplace health and safety review to look at any changes needed to improve officer safety.
“It’s important for us and our members that this person is brought before the courts,” Adams said.
“And so we will do what is necessary to ensure that we’ve got a solid basis of evidence to put before the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions).”
