RANK-AND-FILE police officers have called for security cameras developed during a war on terrorism to be introduced in the Territory.

The NT Police Association said the CCTV cameras in Darwin and Alice Springs "served a useful role" in tracking down criminals.

But they were primitive compared with the machines being used in Britain, which were developed during the 35-year war against IRA terrorism in Northern Ireland.

They are capable of face and vehicle numberplate recognition. They also provide pin-sharp definition.

Darwin-based national Police Association president Vince Kelly said the Falconio case would have been solved much sooner with the cameras.

The British CCTV can identify criminals even if they are in disguise.

"There are certain things about your face that can't be changed - and the cameras can pick these up," Mr Kelly said.

The CCTV can even read obscured registration plates.

"From just one number or letter, they can eventually identify the vehicle," Mr Kelly said.

He said there were also many cameras in Britain, which meant police could track the movement of criminals and vehicles.

The cameras are monitored 24 hours a day.

Mr Kelly said the Territory needed better and more cameras - and they should be monitored by police officers.

"Of course, the Territory is a huge place and some people might argue that it's not practical to have cameras everywhere," he said. "But imagine if there were cameras every 100 kilometres or so along the Stuart Highway.

"What a difference that would have made to the Falconio case.

"It would have been solved much quicker."

Mr Kelly said CCTV cameras would not prevent crime - but better technology would make it easier to catch and successfully prosecute offenders. He said the British cameras would be expensive but people had to be prepared to pay for safer streets.