Footage of a child being dragged into a police vehicle has been described by rights advocates as shockingly violent, but the Northern Territory's leader will not say whether the "distressing" incident is under review.
Video published by The Australian on Monday shows an 11-year-old boy being dragged kicking and screaming from a previous foster carer's home into the back of a paddy wagon.
"No, no, no, let me go ... I've done nothing wrong," he yelled.
"I have all the rights, if I want to stay here it's up to me."
The police then lift him into the vehicle and shut the door on him, as he screamed: "I am not going back, let me go."
Staff from Territory Families and family members are shown watching on as the incident unfolded.
Amnesty International labelled the incident "shockingly violent" and called for the police and the government to be held accountable.
"Why are armed police wrestling vulnerable children into police cages as public servants watch on," the organisation's Rodney Dillon said on Tuesday.
"The police and public servants who perpetrated this act of shocking violence and the Commissioner and Minister who oversaw this removal must be held accountable."
NT Chief Minister Natasha Fyles would not be pressed on whether the incident would be reviewed, though admitted the video was uncomfortable to watch.
"Looking at that imagery, does it make me comfortable? No, it's distressing to see but at the same time, these cases are complex," she told reporters on Wednesday.
"I support our frontline colleagues and our frontline Territory Families staff."
The NT leader was asked more than twice if the situation would be reviewed but gave no discernible answer.
NT Police Assistant Commissioner Martin Dole did not answer AAP's questions about an internal review, saying he was unable to comment on individual cases.
"Child protection work is extremely complex and NT Police are mandated to assist when required," he told AAP in a statement.
"Any further enquires are best directed towards the department."
Territory Families would not confirm whether police followed procedure in the incident.
"This work is regularly reviewed to ensure any actions are appropriate and in the best interests of the child," a spokesperson told AAP.
The incident comes as controversial new "wanding" laws are set to come into effect, allowing police to search people for weapons in 16 "high-risk" areas in the NT.
