New Zealand Police Scandal Unveils Allegations Against Former Deputy Commissioner

A recent report by the Independent Police Conduct Authority has ignited a significant scandal within New Zealand’s police force, particularly concerning the handling of allegations against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. The findings have prompted immediate responses from both the current Police Commissioner Richard Chambers and the Police Minister, who held a press conference shortly after the report’s release.

The report details how McSkimming, who was in his forties, entered a relationship with a woman in her early twenties. Following their relationship, she accused him of being a sexual predator, sending multiple emails to the police outlining her allegations. Instead of investigating these serious claims, police officials opted to use these communications as evidence to prosecute her under the Harmful Digital Communications Act in 2022. This decision has raised profound questions about the culture within the police force regarding the treatment of sexual misconduct allegations.

Chambers expressed his outrage, indicating that several senior police leaders, including former Commissioner Andrew Coster, were responsible for what appears to be an attempt to cover up the allegations. He criticized the approach taken by these officials, stating they were overly quick to dismiss the complainant’s credibility, viewing her as a “spurned woman” seeking revenge rather than a victim.

In the report, one senior investigator, referred to as “Officer D,” emphasized the gravity of covering up mistakes, stating, “the only worse thing that you can do is then cover it up.” This commentary reflects a growing concern about the internal culture of the police and its failure to adequately address accusations of sexual misconduct.

The timing of the report has put Coster’s current position as the chief executive of the Government’s Social Investment Agency under scrutiny. On leave at the moment, many are questioning whether he should retain his government role following his oversight of the police’s handling of the allegations against McSkimming. Critics suggest that Coster should be held accountable, considering the potential implications of what could be one of New Zealand’s largest public sector scandals.

This situation echoes historical grievances within the New Zealand police system, particularly regarding the case of Louise Nicholas, which highlighted longstanding issues surrounding police conduct and attitudes towards women. Despite assurances of cultural change within the force since Nicholas’s case in the 1980s, the current findings suggest that significant elements of that culture remain entrenched.

As the investigation unfolds, the public is left to ponder not only the actions of those involved but also the wider implications for trust and accountability within New Zealand’s law enforcement agencies. The fallout from this scandal may lead to calls for comprehensive reforms to ensure that such allegations are taken seriously and handled transparently in the future.