The issuing of a stand-down notice to a Tasmanian police officer on the day he took his own life could have been handled differently in hindsight, an inquest has been told.
Constable Paul Hunt's death at his father's property on July 8, 2016, is one of four police officer suicides being investigated at the inquest.
Earlier in the day, Const Hunt was issued a stand-down notice and had his locker searched during a visit by Tasmania Police professional standards at the Hobart station where he worked.
The visit was over allegations he had used his police badge and false driver's licence information to obtain pseudoephedrine and codeine-based medication from pharmacies.
Former Tasmania Police commander Robert Bonde, who is now retired, was involved with professional standards at the time.
The inquest was told Mr Bonde received an email in May 2016 from a colleague about Const Hunt's mental health issues.
"I was aware there were mental health issues he suffered from," Mr Bonde told the inquest on Wednesday.
Mr Bonde said with the benefit of hindsight he would have ensured there was a welfare officer at the station when Const Hunt was issued with the stand-down notice.
However, he said he was confident a welfare officer could have been quickly sourced if Const Hunt had requested one.
"In the consideration of that day and the circumstances over a long period of time ... his state of mind and welfare and (drug) addiction ... were given considerable consideration," Mr Bonde said.
"On that day, in those circumstances, I certainly do think that we could have done things differently, in terms of having a a welfare officer closer, at hand."
Mr Bonde said he had encountered similar scenarios in the past where police officers didn't request a welfare officer.
The inquiry has previously been told Const Hunt became angry after the visit and left the station.
He took a taxi some 200km to Launceston and then went to the property of his father, who was away on holidays.
The inquest is investigating policy and procedures of Tasmania Police in respect to the standing down, suspension and termination of officers, as well as welfare programs.
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