NZ Deputy Police Commissioner Suspended, Targeted by Criminal Investigation

Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has been stood down as two investigations—one criminal—continue into undisclosed aspects of his behaviour.
NZ Deputy Police Commissioner Suspended, Targeted by Criminal Investigation
NZ Police Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming speaks while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (L) and Minister of Police Mark Mitchell (R) look on at New Zealand Police Headquarters in Wellington, New Zealand, on Sept. 19, 2024. Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
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The second-highest-ranking police officer in New Zealand, who recently narrowly missed out on the position of Commissioner, has been suspended following investigations by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) and the New Zealand Police, his lawyer has confirmed.

The exact allegations faced by Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming have yet to be revealed. He has apparently been on leave since December, but today, that became a formal suspension.

One source, who wishes to remain anonymous due to concerns about repercussions on their career, told The Epoch Times that McSkimming was being investigated over conduct towards a younger non-sworn police woman.

His lawyer, Michael Heron KC, said in a statement: “Consistent with normal police practice in this situation, [he] was suspended prior to Christmas. He remains on full pay pending a criminal investigation.

When any police officer faces an investigation of this nature, they are typically suspended from duty.

“Mr McSkimming is cooperating fully with Police and looks forward to the investigation being concluded swiftly, after which he expects to resume his duties as Deputy Commissioner,” Heron said. “Until this process is complete, he will not be making any further comment.”

First Time

It is believed to be the first time a deputy commissioner has been suspended.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell also issued a brief statement, labelling the move as “appropriate.”

“As is the case for all police officers facing investigations of this nature, Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming was suspended prior to Christmas. This is appropriate. I will not be commenting further until the process is complete,” he said.

No one is prepared to confirm the nature of the investigation, however.

Mitchell earlier said it would be “inappropriate” to comment while “investigations are underway,” while the police said they were “not in a position to comment on any active investigation,” which was also the response of public sector watchdog the Public Service Commission and the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA).

Despite making the final shortlist, McSkimming was overlooked to replace outgoing Commissioner Andrew Coster late last year, losing out to Richard Chambers who was appointed to the role for five years.

As one of two deputy commissioners—required by legislation and also appointed by the government—McSkimming holds an important position within the police and has a constitutional safeguard of independence from the police commissioner.

He or fellow statutory Deputy Tania Kura could, for instance, investigate Chambers without interference.

McSkimming, 51, has been a policeman for 29 years. He spent his first 10 years in frontline roles in Auckland, Southland, and the West Coast.

He then took on leadership roles in the Wellington district for several years before moving to Police National Headquarters in 2010 and rising through the ranks there.

Rex Widerstrom
Rex Widerstrom
Author
Rex Widerstrom is a New Zealand-based reporter with over 40 years of experience in media, including radio and print. He is currently a presenter for Hutt Radio.