Former Deputy Police Commissioner Under Scrutiny After Visit to Charged Man

Two senior members of the New Zealand Police leadership team, including former Deputy Police Commissioner Tania Kura, visited Jevon McSkimming while he faced serious charges related to child sexual exploitation and bestiality material. McSkimming pleaded guilty to the charges earlier this month.

A report by the Independent Police Conduct Authority, released last week, detailed serious misconduct at high levels within the police, including Kura, regarding the handling of separate allegations of sexual offending by McSkimming. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers addressed the situation during a press conference held in the Beehive, indicating that Kura’s visit to McSkimming fell “well short of [his] expectations.”

Chambers clarified that McSkimming was arrested on June 27, 2023. He first learned of Kura’s visit in July, after discussions with concerned colleagues. “When I found out about that, I asked Tania Kura for an explanation and I expressed my disappointment in her,” Chambers stated, emphasizing that the visit demonstrated “a total lack of judgement and very bad decision making.”

Kura reportedly appeared surprised when Chambers raised the issue, which he deemed inappropriate for someone in her executive position. Chambers did not elaborate on whether the visit contributed to Kura’s retirement from the police force, although he noted that it was not discussed at the time. Shortly thereafter, Kura announced her retirement from the New Zealand Police.

In response to inquiries from RNZ, Kura declined to comment on her rationale for visiting McSkimming or whether it influenced her decision to retire. She suggested that RNZ investigate whether other individuals had engaged in similar conduct.

Chambers acknowledged that another member of the senior leadership team also visited McSkimming along with Kura. He expressed disappointment over their decision-making and lack of judgement. He added that McSkimming maintained regular contact with a member of the leadership team, designated as a welfare point of contact, which was deemed appropriate in an official capacity. However, he clarified that this individual did not visit McSkimming at his home or meet with him in person after the charges were laid.

This situation underscores the ongoing scrutiny within the New Zealand Police regarding how allegations of serious misconduct are managed, particularly at higher levels of leadership. The fallout from these events may have lasting implications for the public’s trust in law enforcement institutions.