Senior Police Bypassed Integrity Checks in McSkimming Case

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has determined that senior police officials failed in their duty to properly investigate serious allegations against former Police Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Instead of addressing the complaints made by a woman, referred to in the report as ‘Ms Z’, authorities pursued legal action against her, raising significant concerns about integrity within the police force.

The findings, released on November 11, 2024, point to “serious misconduct” and a “total lack of leadership and integrity” among police leadership regarding complaints dating back to early 2023. The report follows McSkimming’s recent court appearance on November 6, 2024, where he pleaded guilty to possessing objectionable material, including images of child sexual exploitation and bestiality found on police-issued devices.

Ms Z alleged that McSkimming engaged in sexual activity without consent, made threats to use intimate recordings, and misused police property. Instead of investigating these claims, police focused on prosecuting her under the Harmful Digital Communications Act. The charge was withdrawn only recently by the Crown.

Failures in Leadership

The IPCA report highlights that senior figures, including former Commissioner Andrew Coster and two deputy commissioners, neglected to act on numerous complaints communicated through emails, social media, and the police reporting line. The authority criticized the lack of an investigation into Ms Z’s claims, stating, “the only investigation that was launched focused on potential offences by the complainant, leading to her prosecution.”

Further complicating the matter, when the police eventually referred the case to the IPCA in October 2024, Coster allegedly attempted to influence the investigation’s scope and timing. The report suggested that this was aimed at protecting McSkimming’s chances of becoming the next police commissioner. Additionally, Coster did not disclose his prior knowledge of the relationship during appointment processes, undermining the integrity of the organization.

The IPCA emphasized that the typical checks and balances meant to protect the integrity of the police were bypassed, calling for stronger oversight, legislative reform, and clearer accountability for senior-level conduct.

Response from Police Leadership

In response to the findings, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers expressed regret over the conduct of former senior police leaders, stating, “The ambitions of a senior police officer were put above the interests of a vulnerable woman.” Chambers described the report’s depiction of procedural failures as “appalling” and indicative of a severe lack of integrity at the highest levels of the police force.

Chambers confirmed that most individuals involved in the case have since left the organization and announced that an independent King’s Counsel would oversee any necessary investigations into their conduct. He also mentioned that a comprehensive integrity reform program is in progress, which includes enhancements to the National Integrity Unit, revisions to the Police Code of Conduct, and a performance review by the Public Service Commission focusing on integrity issues.

“The absolute worst outcome would be if anyone felt unsafe reporting sexual assault to police,” Chambers added. “I want to reassure you that is not the case.”

The IPCA’s recommendations include legislative reforms aimed at strengthening the independence of misconduct investigations, expanding oversight powers, and ensuring that ministerial and parliamentary scrutiny is applied to future integrity cases. The report noted that while most officers conduct themselves with fairness, the failures identified in this case necessitate a “sustained plan of action” to restore public trust in the police.