Chief Minister Natasha Fyles has refused to comment on reports the Top End's top cop has been asked to resign amid a loss of confidence.
In a carefully-worded and oft-repeated response to reporters on Wednesday, Ms Fyles said the tenure of Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker was the subject of ongoing confidential discussions.
Asked specifically to say whether she still had confidence in Mr Chalker, Ms Fyles would only say she had "full confidence in the Northern Territory Police Force".
"As has been reported, the police commissioner's tenure, his contract, is due to expire towards the end of the year," she said.
"As would be appropriate, in the lead-up to that ... we have been having in-good-faith conversations with the police commissioner around his tenure in that role.
"As you would appreciate, these matters are private and of a confidential nature in the sense that they relate to his employment.
"However I want to reassure territorians that there is strong leadership in the Northern Territory Police Force."
Ms Fyles said she last met with Mr Chalker on Friday but declined to say what they discussed or whether she requested his resignation.
Sky News reported on Saturday the government had asked Mr Chalker to resign.
But as late as Wednesday morning, Deputy Chief Minister Nicole Manison commended Mr Chalker's work ethic and commitment to the force.
Acting Commissioner Michael Murphy remains at the helm of the force, with Ms Fyles also declining to comment on whether she expected Mr Chalker to return from reportedly prearranged leave later this month.
Earlier this year, assistant commissioner Murray Smalpage told a coronial inquest in Alice Springs NT Police was short 300 officers.
He also said the organisation was lobbying the territory government for $500m in infrastructure funding.
A Northern Territory Police Association survey last year showed police confidence in Mr Chalker was at an all-time low.
The survey highlighted low levels of morale amongst NT police, as well as issues with staffing and pay.
