Tasmanian police have been urged to be more vigilant at work and at home following the elevation of national terror threat level against police.

Raising the level to "high" means an attack on police is likely; however, no specific threat has been identified.

It won't affect day-to-day policing or people going about their daily lives.

Still, it sends a wave of unease through the community that those who protect us might be targeted by extremists.

It serves to show that Australian law and order officers are not immune to world events.

We have seen the sickening execution of a policeman in Paris and attacks on officers in New York.

Closer to home, two Victorian officers were attacked by a home-grown extremist trying to stab them.

Tasmania Police Commissioner Darren Hine is right, of course, to call for calm and tell people not to be alarmed about the threat level.

Thankfully Tasmania Police are at a relatively lower risk than their counterparts in bigger cities.

But they too must privately be nervous about the escalation of threat levels.

Policing is undoubtedly a very difficult job; dealing with aggressive people, domestic disputes and deliberately obstructive individuals.

Most of us would not want the stress.

That is why it is important for all Tasmanians to be alert to suspicious behaviour and help police safeguard the community.

People should not feel silly about reporting anything untoward to police, Crime Stoppers or the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400.