Flawed Vetting Process Exposed in Jevon McSkimming Case

The vetting process for New Zealand’s deputy commissioner role has come under scrutiny following the controversial appointment of Jevon McSkimming. A recent review by the Public Service Commission revealed that McSkimming, who previously faced multiple allegations of misconduct, was appointed despite a history that included accusations of assault, unlawful arrest, and unreasonable treatment from the 1990s to early 2000s. These complaints either went unsubstantiated or were withdrawn, resulting in no significant disciplinary action.

McSkimming’s problematic history was brought to light during an investigation ordered by Sir Brian Roche, the commissioner of the Public Service Commission, in December 2023. This review aimed to assess the appointment processes after McSkimming was found with inappropriate images on his police-issued laptop. Roche declared this situation a “wake-up call” and labeled McSkimming as a “devious liar” who had skillfully manipulated his narrative to evade thorough scrutiny during the vetting process.

The review, led by Miriam Dean KC, assessed the adequacy of checks during McSkimming’s appointment in March 2023. Although it confirmed that standard procedures were followed, it highlighted a missed opportunity to investigate a concerning personal relationship McSkimming had with a woman described by a referee as “almost stalking.” Dean suggested that more probing questions should have been asked regarding the nature of this relationship, including potential power imbalances.

Despite the red flags, McSkimming was deemed a “highly credible candidate.” His disclosure of the relationship during a rigorous security clearance process gave the Public Service Commission confidence in his suitability. At the time, the Independent Police Conduct Authority reported having “no complaints or concerns” about him, further validating the appointment.

The panel that interviewed McSkimming included former police commissioner Andrew Coster, who has faced criticism for his role in the vetting process. Panel members described McSkimming as “very impressive” and possessing a strategic mindset. Following the commission’s request, police searched legal databases for any matters that could challenge McSkimming’s fitness for the role, but no concerns were identified at that time.

However, subsequent findings by the Independent Police Conduct Authority revealed that McSkimming had been accused of sex crimes that had not been adequately addressed by senior police officials prior to his appointment. The review also uncovered that McSkimming had previously operated a luxury car business, which had been closed due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The psychometric assessment conducted by PsychforLeaders included a mock media interview with broadcaster Kim Hill, assessing McSkimming’s leadership skills. The results indicated he performed exceptionally well, leading to further confidence in his appointment, although Hill did not respond to requests for comment regarding her role in the process.

Dean’s review drew parallels with the 2018 Scholtens Inquiry, which scrutinized the appointment of then-Deputy Commissioner Wally Haumaha following concerns raised by survivors advocate Louise Nicholas about his past comments on police conduct. Both cases underscore the challenges of identifying “unknown unknowns” prior to public appointments.

As a result of the investigation, the Public Service Commission has implemented new measures for statutory appointments, including device history checks, formal disclosure statements, and enhanced interview protocols. Roche expressed confidence that had these measures been in place earlier, it is likely that concerns regarding McSkimming’s suitability for the deputy commissioner role would have been identified.

The findings of this review highlight the critical need for robust vetting processes in public service appointments to ensure that candidates are thoroughly evaluated, ultimately safeguarding the integrity of the positions they are set to occupy.