Remote Northern Territory police could receive a federal funding extension, with concerns communities may be vulnerable when a deal expires next year.
A federal agreement, which has spent more than $280 million since it was introduced during the Howard government's controversial intervention in 2007, is due to end in June 2022.
It is feared stations could shut if the deal is not renewed.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed he was leaving the door open to extending the funding.
"I am concerned about this," he told Darwin radio Mix 104.9 on Thursday.
"Clearly there's a very strong need. I'm not one to look the other way when it comes to law enforcement."
Almost 60 officers are part of the arrangement, with police top brass and the union calling for an end to funding uncertainty.
Mr Morrison's language marks a major shift after Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt last year criticised the territory government for requesting an extension.
In November, Mr Wyatt said it was disappointing the NT Labor government was attempting to pressure Canberra into renewing the deal.
"The delivery of policing in the Northern Territory remains an NT government responsibility," he said at the time.
Mr Morrison has taken up the issue after meeting NT Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro, who is on his side of politics.
"When it comes to this law and order issue, we're very conscious of it. We'll be looking at that very carefully," the prime minister said.
A 17-year-old boy died from stab wounds after a large brawl in the remote NT town of Yirrkala on Wednesday.
Mr Morrison said the news made him shudder, while also praising police working in difficult circumstances.
