It is the third fatal shooting involving a WA Police officer in less than 12 months.

Police were called to a family’s Mooliabeenee property, 94km north-east of Perth, just before 3pm today amid welfare concerns for the man, who was one of the residents.

The call was prompted by an incident between family members. On the arrival of two officers, a confrontation led to one officer to shooting the man.

“Several members of the family were talking to police and they were confronted by a situation where a 32-year-old man was in a confrontation with police,” Police Commissioner Chris Dawson said tonight.

One shot was fired. Police and family members immediately applied first aid.

The man was taken by ambulance to Midland hospital.

“There were witnesses,” Mr Dawson said. “Sadly and tragically, the man passed away.”

It is believed a knife was recovered nearby.

Police internal affairs, the homicide squad and forensic teams are investigating.

Lethal force is justified in situations where police believe lives are at risk, including their own.

Four months ago a 38-year-old man was shot dead at his family’s Beechboro home after police responded to a family-violence incident.

The Director of Public Prosecutions is still looking at the findings of a homicide squad inquiry into the shooting.

Last May, a 22-year-old man wielding a knife was killed after he lunged at two officers in a Mandurah carpark.

Both officers tried to taser him but their shots were ineffective, so one of them drew a pistol and shot him.

Police body-worn cameras will be rolled out in coming months.