Police Authority Criticized for Handling of Jevon McSkimming Case

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has revealed significant procedural failures by senior police officials in the case of former Police Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Instead of properly investigating serious allegations against McSkimming, police leaders pursued a prosecution against the woman who reported him. The findings, released on November 11, 2024, highlight “serious misconduct” and a “total lack of leadership and integrity” within the police force.

McSkimming, 52, recently pleaded guilty in the Wellington District Court on November 6 to charges of possessing objectionable material, including images of child sexual exploitation and bestiality. These charges emerged during an investigation into his conduct, revealing further troubling aspects of his behaviour.

The complaints against McSkimming were made by a female complainant, referred to as ‘Ms Z’ in the IPCA report. Ms Z alleged that McSkimming engaged in sexual activity without consent, threatened her with an intimate recording, and misused police property. Rather than addressing these serious claims, senior police officials chose to investigate Ms Z, ultimately charging her under the Harmful Digital Communications Act. This charge was only recently withdrawn by the Crown.

Failures of Leadership Exposed

The IPCA’s report indicates that senior figures, including then-Commissioner Andrew Coster, two deputy commissioners, and an assistant commissioner, failed to act when complaints were raised. These complaints were submitted through various channels, including emails, social media, and the police 105 reporting line. Instead of taking action, the investigation focused solely on potential offences committed by the complainant, leading to her prosecution.

When the case was finally referred to the IPCA in October 2024, Coster attempted to influence the investigation’s scope and timing, likely to protect McSkimming’s chances of being appointed the next commissioner. The report states that Coster also failed to disclose his knowledge of McSkimming’s relationship with Ms Z during earlier appointment processes.

The authority concluded that these collective failures “undermined the integrity of the organisation as a whole” and demonstrated significant flaws in how senior police manage internal integrity risks. The report criticized the police for bypassing the usual integrity checks and balances, calling for stronger oversight, legislative reform, and clearer accountability for senior-level conduct.

Police Commissioner Responds

In response to the findings, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers described the conduct of former senior leaders as “inexcusable.” He emphasized that the ambitions of a senior police officer were prioritized over the interests of a vulnerable woman, stating, “She was ignored and badly let down. That was unacceptable.”

Chambers expressed that the report revealed “departures from expected processes” and constituted a “total lack of leadership and integrity at the highest levels.” Most of those involved in the case have since left the organization. He confirmed that an independent King’s Counsel will oversee any necessary employment investigations related to the matter.

To address these issues, Chambers announced a comprehensive integrity reform program currently underway. This 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 and conduct. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that no one feels unsafe reporting incidents of sexual assault to the police.

The IPCA has called for legislative and structural reforms to enhance the independence of misconduct investigations and expand its oversight powers. The report stressed that most officers act with fairness and restraint, but the failures highlighted in this case point to the need for a “sustained plan of action” to rebuild public trust in the police force.

As the investigation continues and reforms are implemented, the IPCA aims to ensure that police conduct maintains the highest standards, reinforcing the public’s confidence in law enforcement.