The Northern Territory Police Commissioner admits there was a communications problem in the way police handled the attempted abduction of an 11-year-old boy in Jingili last month.
The boy's mother reported the incident to police but the information about it was only released to the media four days later.
Commissioner John McRoberts says the boy's parents were right to pursue the matter with police.
He says police should have responded within hours to the attempted abduction.
"No doubt a very traumatic event for the young boy concerned, no doubt a very disturbing event for that boys parents," Commissioner McRoberts said.
"They did the right thing they followed it up, they pursued it.
"They weren't satisfied with the service they received and I'm pleased that they brought it to our attention and we were able to do something about it.
"Unfortunately that was a situation of human error, one which we hope is never repeated.
"One which has sent a very clear message to our staff that we need to deal with these things swiftly and professionally.
"And I hope we never see a repeat of an incident like that."
