Premier David Bartlett announced yesterday that former acting Commissioner Darren Hine had been permanently appointed to the top job ahead of applicants from across the country.

Mr Hine, former commissioner Jack Johnston's deputy, has been acting in the role since Mr Johnston stood aside and later resigned.

"I'm honoured and so pleased to be given the opportunity to continue to work with such a talented group of people in this role," Mr Hine said last night after hearing the news.

"My job has been made so much easier over the past two years by the support and vision of those I have the honour of working with every day."

Mr Hine's support from all levels of the organisation - including the powerful police union - is widely described as unprecedented.

Police Association of Tasmania president Randolph Wierenga said yesterday: "As a Tasmanian, and member of the Police Association, Mr Hine has the respect and confidence of the entire police service.

"In arriving at his new position of Commissioner, he has gone through a long process that has now thankfully been resolved."

Northern District Commander Richard Cowling, Launceston CIB boss Scott Flude and Northern District Support Inspector Michael Johnston yesterday echoed Sergeant Wierenga's sentiments. "Darren is intuitive and in touch with all our members," Mr Cowling said.

"He has been responsible for the significant modernisation of this organisation over the past two years and we all have a lot of respect for and faith in him."

Inspector Flude, who has also known Mr Hine for decades, said the past two years exemplified the quality of his leadership.

"I think his appointment has been an excellent decision and I can only reiterate the high level of support he has across this organisation," Inspector Flude said.

"It's fantastic news," Inspector Johnston said.