New top cop, review after 'tumultuous' years for NT

Mr Chalker retired in April after reaching a private legal settlement with the NT government.

"It's been an incredibly tumultuous three years on the back of COVID-19 and increased demands across all areas of managed services," Mr Murphy told reporters on Thursday in Darwin.

The incoming commissioner has served with NT Police for more than 26 years, working in remote communities and as cities.

Under his leadership, Mr Murphy said the force would focus on shifting from managing the territory's rising crime rates, to preventing the growing trend.

"To change behaviours, and actually make workplaces safer, instead of incarcerating people," he said.

When asked about the impact of former constable Zachary Rolfe's murder charge on police, Mr Murphy said the issue had been "affecting".

"(Now) it's about rebuilding trust with the community," he said.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles announced a comprehensive review into the police force, to hand down recommendations in March.

The review will focus on staffing levels, employee wellbeing, remote policing, culture and inclusion, communications and funding.

"That review we will be public... and we will back the review's recommendations so that we have a better police force," she said.

Ms Fyles said she would seek advice if there were recommendations that required immediate funding.

"We will be working through the budget at that time," she said.

Crime is set to be a major deciding factor in next year's NT election, following a surging crime crisis in Alice Springs last year, the introduction of alcohol restrictions across the territory, the death of young Darwin bottleshop worker Declan Laverty and the acquitted murder trial of former constable Rolfe. 

"Today does mark that line in the sand and we are able to go forward with that stability," Police Minister Kate Worden said

The review will be led by former NT police officer Vince Kelly and will start on September 1 and hand down a final report in March 2024.