Former Deputy Police Commissioner Faces Serious Charges Over Possession of Objectionable Material

Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has been charged with eight counts of possessing objectionable publications, including material related to child sexual exploitation and bestiality, over a four-year period. These charges, which are all representative, carry a maximum potential sentence of 10 years in prison, signaling the gravity of the allegations against the high-ranking official.

McSkimming was arrested on June 27 in Wellington and appeared in court via audio-visual link on July 3. He was remanded on bail without entering a plea and is scheduled to appear again in court in November. A suppression order that had previously prohibited media from reporting details of the charges lapsed after McSkimming did not apply for its continuation.

When approached for comment outside the court, McSkimming simply said, “Good,” when asked how he was feeling. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers emphasized that the prosecution of McSkimming sends a clear message that no one is above the law and that all members of the police force are expected to meet the highest standards of conduct.

The charges stem from material found on McSkimming's work devices, which are currently under investigation as alleged objectionable material. An interim injunction that had prohibited the publication of details about the material expired on July 18 after Justice Karen Grau declined McSkimming’s request to extend it.

Before his arrest, McSkimming’s legal team had sought a name suppression order, which was granted in chambers. The case has also sparked a broader review of police internet rules, following concerns about weaknesses in internet access controls and the use of unmanaged devices.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) is currently investigating allegations of misconduct by McSkimming following a public complaint. The investigation also includes whether other officers or employees failed in their duties in responding to the allegations.

McSkimming was promoted to the position of statutory deputy commissioner in 2023, where he was responsible for overseeing road policing and operational services, including areas such as strategy, media and communications, risk and assurance, and firearms regulation and reform. His role placed him at the center of key police operations, making the allegations against him particularly significant.

This case has not only raised questions about individual conduct but has also prompted a reevaluation of systemic safeguards within the police force. As the legal process unfolds, the outcome will be closely watched by the public, legal experts, and the broader law enforcement community.