TASMANIA Police has announced the establishment of a Cold Case Investigation Unit to review unsolved major crime investigations.

Police Commissioner Richard McCreadie said the unit would have a particular focus on unsolved homicides and missing person cases where foul play was suspected.

"While police regularly review so-called cold cases as a matter of course and reinvestigate where appropriate, it is anticipated that this new unit will provide a more focused approach," Mr McCreadie said.

"This dedicated unit will provide a more formalised structure and process for dealing with longer term major crime investigations, with the aim of fostering a more effective, rigorous, and sustainable continued investigative response."

He said the establishment of the unit was particularly timely due to advancements in DNA and other forensic technologies.

The unit will have Statewide responsibility and will be based Hobart.