A high-ranking NT Police officer in a senior role in Professional Standards Command who disciplined officers for ethical breaches has faced court for the first time Tuesday charged with one count of aggravated assault.

Detective Acting Commander Virginia Read was charged with assault in August, the details of which have not yet been released.

Police did not say at the time if she had been suspended. Acting Cmdr Read is also listed on the witness list at the coronial inquest investigating the circumstances around the shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker.

She fronted Darwin Local Court for the first time Tuesday morning to answer to the assault charge before Chief Judge Elizabeth Morris.

Her lawyer indicated to the court that the 55-year-old would be contesting the charge and the matter was held over for a directions hearing.

Acting Cmdr Read is currently on the witness list for the Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest where it is expected she will provide evidence about disciplinary matters involving Constable Zachary Rolfe, which he was ultimately cleared of.

Virginia Read is also listed as vice-president of Neighbourhood Watch NT.

Police issued a media release about the assault on August 9, stating at the time that Acting Cmdr Read was under investigation by Crime Command.

That statement did not say if Acting Cmdr Read was suspended.

She will be back in court to answer to the assault charges on November 7.