Former Deputy Police Commissioner Admits to Possessing Objectionable Material

Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has pleaded guilty to charges involving the possession of child sexual exploitation and bestiality material. Court documents reveal that McSkimming engaged in extensive viewing of objectionable content on his work devices, including approximately 160 images deemed illegal and harmful. This case raises significant concerns regarding the conduct of a high-ranking police official and the implications for the integrity of law enforcement.

In a summary of facts released to RNZ, it was noted that McSkimming, who was appointed chief security officer for the police in March 2021, was responsible for ensuring that protective security policies were in line with police objectives. He was also a member of the Security and Privacy Reference Group (SPRG), indicating that he had knowledge of the information security controls governing internet use within the police force.

Monitoring of internet usage reports for police personnel had ceased in late 2020, a decision likely within McSkimming’s awareness. Concerns regarding his browsing activity surfaced in December 2024, when it was discovered that his work devices were being used for explicit Google searches, including terms that could lead to objectionable content.

The investigation revealed that from July 1, 2020 to December 18, 2024, McSkimming conducted a total of 5,354 Google searches. Out of these, 1,922 searches were categorized as adult or pornographic, with 368 likely to return objectionable images. Notably, searches included disturbing terms associated with child exploitation and bestiality.

Police analyzed a selection of McSkimming’s search sessions, identifying that seven of these contained objectionable material, resulting in 880 objectionable images being accessed. The breakdown of these images showed that 812 involved adult bestiality, while 68 were related to child sexual exploitation. Overall, the searches indicated that approximately 37 percent of the objectionable material pertained to child exploitation, highlighting a severe violation of legal and ethical standards.

In response to the investigation, McSkimming admitted to a colleague that he had found ways to circumvent police systems to access pornography, stating that he grew up in an environment where such material was normalized. He expressed to another colleague that over time, he required increasingly diverse types of pornography to “make him feel anything,” suggesting an escalation in his behavior.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers addressed the situation, emphasizing his pride in the many police staff who uphold the values of the organization. He stated, “Individuals who do not uphold the values or display the integrity required to be a member of the NZ Police should be dealt with appropriately.”

McSkimming’s case has raised significant alarm within the police department and the community at large. It is a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity in law enforcement roles. The case continues to unfold as McSkimming awaits sentencing.

For those affected by issues related to sexual violence, support services are available. Victim Support can be reached at 0800 842 846, and Rape Crisis can be contacted at 0800 88 33 00.