Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming Resigns Amid Allegations of Child Exploitation and Bestiality Material on Work Devices

In a stunning turn of events, former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has resigned from his position following allegations that objectionable material, including child sex exploitation and bestiality, was found on his work devices. This revelation comes after months of speculation and legal maneuvering, with the full details of the allegations only now being made public.

Mcskimming, who had been suspended on full pay since December 2024 while under investigation for a separate criminal allegation, resigned abruptly in May 2025 after being confronted with new allegations described by Police Minister Mark Mitchell as being of a 'very serious nature.'

According to the .nz Herald, detectives investigating the original complaint against McSkimming allegedly discovered pornographic material on his electronic work devices. Among the images were materials that were being assessed for classification as objectionable, potentially leading to criminal charges.

These findings were not directly related to the original allegations that led to his suspension, but they were sufficient to trigger a new investigation. McSkimming’s resignation followed the disclosure of this material, which had been kept confidential until now due to a High Court injunction.

The injunction, which was granted on an interim basis by Justice Karen Grau, was sought by McSkimming’s lawyer, Linda Clark, to prevent the media from publishing details about the alleged objectionable material. The application was not opposed by the New Zealand Police, but it was challenged by media outlets such as NZME, Radio New Zealand, and Stuff, who argued that the public had a right to know the nature of the allegations that led to the resignation of a high-profile public official.

In a detailed 58-paragraph judgment, Justice Grau declined McSkimming’s application for an injunction but allowed it to remain in force until 5pm today, giving McSkimming’s legal team time to consider an appeal. However, no appeal was lodged, and the reasons for the judge’s decision remain undisclosed.

Following McSkimming’s resignation, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers ordered an independent review of the organisation’s IT systems to ensure there were sufficient security measures to prevent and detect the misuse of police technology. The review, released earlier this month, found that the organisation needed more monitoring of staff internet use and stronger filtering mechanisms to guard against 'inappropriate or harmful content' being accessed or downloaded.

Chambers also announced the re-introduction of audits of data and internet usage on police devices, a process that had been halted around five years ago. These measures are aimed at preventing future incidents and restoring public trust in the police force.

The resignation of McSkimming has sparked a broader conversation about the need for greater oversight and accountability within the police force, particularly regarding the use of technology and the protection of sensitive information.

As the investigation into McSkimming continues, the public and media will be watching closely to see what legal consequences, if any, will follow from the allegations of child exploitation and bestiality found on his work devices. The case is a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and the need for robust internal controls in any organisation entrusted with public safety.