NT top cop resigns

Northern Territory police commissioner John McRoberts has quit after the government lost confidence in him.

Police minister Peter Chandler said the resignation followed allegations of a conflict of interest involving Mr McRoberts.

Mr McRoberts' conduct was being formally investigated and Reece Kershaw has been appointed acting commissioner, police minister Peter Chandler said.

"The resignation follows allegations the Commissioner involved himself in a criminal investigation where his relationship with the subject of that investigation gave rise to a conflict of interest," he said.

Mr Chandler said the government acted swiftly on the allegations to maintain public confidence in the NT police force.

"The integrity of the Commissioner of Police must be beyond reproach," he said.

Former Assistant Commissioner Mark Payne has been appointed Acting Deputy Commissioner while the search for a new top cop continues.