Former Police Commissioner Claims Politicians Knew of Misconduct

Former Police Commissioner Andrew Coster has alleged that senior politicians, including Chris Hipkins and Mark Mitchell, possessed more information than they publicly disclosed regarding the complaints against disgraced deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming. In a pre-recorded interview aired on TVNZ’s Q+A programme, Coster revealed the depth of the political awareness surrounding McSkimming’s controversial conduct.

Coster stated that ministers from various governments were “informally” briefed on the situation. He first became aware of McSkimming’s affair with a significantly younger woman in late 2020, a period during which he had recently been appointed as a non-statutory deputy commissioner.

The issue resurfaced in 2022 as preparations began for a statutory appointment process. “At the start of that process, or before the start of that process, I briefed the then Minister of Police, Chris Hipkins, on what I knew,” said Coster during the interview. His remarks highlight a significant gap between the public statements from the politicians involved and the information they may have possessed.

Coster’s allegations raise questions about accountability and transparency within police leadership and government oversight. They suggest a need for a more thorough examination of the processes in place for reporting and addressing misconduct within the police force. As public scrutiny intensifies, the implications of these claims could have lasting effects on the reputations of those implicated and the integrity of the police system.

In light of these revelations, both Hipkins and Mitchell have yet to publicly respond to Coster’s assertions. Their silence may be interpreted as an attempt to distance themselves from the scandal that has overshadowed the police department’s leadership in recent years.

This case underscores the importance of transparency in handling complaints against law enforcement officers, particularly those in senior positions. The public expects a high standard of accountability, especially when it comes to those tasked with upholding the law. As this story unfolds, further developments are anticipated, and the public will be watching closely for any official statements from the politicians involved.