Hipkins Demands Stronger Police Vetting After McSkimming Scandal

New Zealand’s Labour leader, Chris Hipkins, has expressed strong disapproval over the failure to identify inappropriate behaviour during the vetting process of former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. McSkimming recently pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material, revealing alarming misconduct while serving in a senior police role.

In a statement made on Friday, Hipkins described the situation as “unacceptable,” emphasizing the inadequacy of the vetting process that allowed McSkimming to hold such a position. “I can say absolutely that with the advice that we were given in Jevon McSkimming’s appointment to the Deputy Police Commissioner role, none of this was identified during that process,” he remarked, highlighting a significant oversight.

The disturbing revelations emerged after an investigation revealed that McSkimming utilized police-issued devices, particularly his work cellphone, to conduct numerous Google searches for pornographic and objectionable content over a span of four and a half years. From July 1, 2020, to December 18, 2024, McSkimming recorded a total of 5,354 searches, with approximately one-third deemed adult or pornographic. Notably, 2,954 objectionable images were returned from 432 searches specifically intended to find such content.

Calls for Improved Vetting Procedures

Hipkins has called for a comprehensive review and tightening of police vetting procedures, stating that the oversight in McSkimming’s case demonstrates a critical need for reform. “This was going on for four or five years, and it seemed to go below the radar within the police,” he added. “That shouldn’t have been allowed to happen, so I think there’s a real tightening up that’s needed here.”

In late 2020, the New Zealand Police made the decision to cease six-monthly internet usage monitoring reports for its senior leadership team. Hipkins indicated that McSkimming would have been aware of this change, which raises further questions about accountability within the police department.

Upon learning about the nature of the material found on McSkimming’s devices, Hipkins promptly communicated the issue to the Minister of Police, Mark Mitchell, to address it as a conduct matter. Following this, McSkimming resigned from the police force. Hipkins firmly stated, “This conduct has no place in police.”

Rapid Review and Future Safeguards

In response to the scandal, Police Minister Mark Mitchell ordered an immediate review of the controls and security surrounding police devices. “I moved quickly to remedy the gaps it identified and ordered auditing and monitoring of staff use of police devices,” he stated. The police are committed to investigating any instances of staff accessing inappropriate material and will take action against any conduct that does not meet the expected standards.

Mitchell refrained from commenting on specific details related to McSkimming’s case, which is awaiting sentencing. Instead, he expressed pride in the majority of police personnel who demonstrate integrity and service daily, affirming that individuals who fail to uphold these values must be dealt with appropriately.

This incident underscores the pressing need for effective vetting processes and ongoing monitoring of law enforcement personnel to ensure the integrity of the police force in New Zealand. The implications of this case extend beyond McSkimming’s actions, prompting a broader discussion on the standards required for those entrusted with public safety.