New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers Travels to Europe Amid Leadership Turmoil

New Zealand Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has departed for a two-week trip to Europe, following the release of a critical report highlighting significant deficiencies within the police force. This journey comes during a period of substantial upheaval at the highest levels of police leadership, largely attributed to Chambers’ own extensive restructuring after the Jevon McSkimming scandal.

The internal turmoil has seen a series of high-profile resignations, including those of deputy commissioners Chris de Wattignar, Tania Kura, and assistant commissioners Paul Basham and Sandra Venables. These departures have left the police organization with a considerable gap in institutional knowledge. Chambers acknowledged in a statement that there is currently no acting commissioner to oversee operations during his absence, as recruitment for new statutory deputies is ongoing.

Work-Related Travel and International Commitments

Chambers emphasized that his travel is essential for work, as he is set to attend the Interpol General Assembly in Marrakech, starting on November 24, 2023. He will also engage in bilateral meetings with law enforcement officials focused on pressing issues such as organized crime and counter-terrorism. Despite the ongoing challenges at home, he remains committed to his duties and will participate in meetings remotely as needed.

In his statement, Chambers expressed that he considered postponing the trip due to the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report but ultimately decided to proceed as the meetings had been scheduled well in advance. He stated, “It is important for New Zealand Police to be represented internationally at these forums and have influence.”

Chambers is expected to meet with notable figures during his trip, including Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, and Graeme Biggar, the Director General of the UK National Crime Agency. Discussions will center on counter-terrorism, especially relevant given the recent scandals that have plagued the Met, including allegations of racism and misconduct.

Context and Implications of Leadership Changes

Chambers’ trip has drawn scrutiny, particularly in light of the serious findings reported by the IPCA, which identified misconduct at the highest echelons of the police force, including accusations against former Commissioner Andrew Coster. Coster, who resigned in May 2023, faces sentencing next month for possession of objectionable material linked to child exploitation and bestiality.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell stated that he was aware of Chambers’ travel plans and expressed no concerns about the timing, reiterating that the commissioner remains accessible throughout his trip. “The Commissioner is overseas to attend a series of law enforcement meetings that have been set down for some time,” Mitchell noted. “He has a job to do, and that is what he is doing.”

Chambers is scheduled to return to New Zealand on November 30, 2023. As he navigates this complex landscape, his ability to address both the immediate concerns raised by the IPCA report and his international responsibilities will be closely monitored by stakeholders within the New Zealand Police and the public.