Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming, the country’s second-highest-ranking officer, is currently on leave as investigations proceed into allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a junior staff member.
The investigation is being conducted separately by both the police and the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA). While details remain sparse, RNZ reports that the alleged conduct occurred during McSkimming’s tenure.
McSkimming, 51, was a finalist earlier this year for the police commissioner role following Andrew Coster’s resignation. That position ultimately went to Richard Chambers.
The process of appointing a new commissioner allowed individuals to raise concerns or complaints about candidates. It remains unclear whether complaints about McSkimming emerged during this vetting phase. Similar scrutiny occurred in 2019 when then-Deputy Commissioner Mike Clement, a contender for the commissioner role, faced a confidential IPCA investigation regarding conduct complaints. Clement did not secure the position.
Public officials have largely refrained from commenting on the investigation. Police Minister Mark Mitchell stated it was “inappropriate to comment while the investigations were underway.” Similarly, Police Association president Chris Cahill emphasised the lack of available information, saying: “I don’t comment about active officer investigations, especially given the very limited public information.”
The Labour Party also confirmed that neither leader Chris Hipkins nor former Police Minister Ginny Anderson recalled being made aware of the issues raised. A party spokesperson said it would not be appropriate to comment further.
Jevon McSkimming joined the New Zealand Police in 1996 and served in Auckland and Southland, where he developed a strong reputation as an advocate for rural policing. At police national headquarters, he led significant projects, including the Next Generation Critical Communications Programme to improve emergency services communication systems. He was also responsible for the transition from Holden to Skoda police vehicles and for overseeing improvements to police IT systems.
McSkimming was seen as a strong contender for the top role when it was vacated earlier this year, though the job ultimately went to Chambers. During the selection process, individuals were invited to raise any concerns about candidates. The current investigations are separate from that process, and no further details have been made public.
The IPCA has declined to comment further on the matter. Police have also been approached for comment.