Senior Police Misconduct Exposed in Jevon McSkimming Investigation

The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has revealed significant failures in how senior police officers managed complaints against former Police Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. The report, published on November 11, 2024, identifies serious misconduct and a troubling disregard for proper procedures, ultimately leading to the prosecution of the woman who reported him.

The IPCA’s investigation highlights that from 2023 to early 2024, police leaders ignored allegations made by a female complainant referred to as ‘Ms Z’. She accused McSkimming of sexual activity without consent, threats regarding an intimate recording, and misuse of police resources. Instead of addressing her claims, police pursued her under the Harmful Digital Communications Act, leading to her recent prosecution being withdrawn by the Crown.

According to the IPCA, “the only investigation that was launched focused on potential offences by the complainant, leading to her prosecution.” This alarming revelation underscores a systemic failure within the New Zealand Police to uphold integrity and accountability, particularly from senior figures, including former Commissioner Andrew Coster and two deputy commissioners.

Failures in Leadership and Accountability

The findings indicate that senior police officials did not act upon multiple complaints raised through emails, social media, and the police 105 reporting line. When the case was finally referred to the IPCA in October 2024, Coster attempted to influence the scope and timing of the investigation, seemingly to protect McSkimming’s aspirations of becoming the next police commissioner. This action, along with his failure to disclose knowledge of a relationship with the complainant during earlier appointment processes, raised serious concerns about the integrity of the police force.

The IPCA stated that these failures “undermined the integrity of the organisation as a whole” and highlighted significant flaws in how senior police manage internal integrity risks. The authority concluded that the usual integrity checks and balances had been bypassed and called for enhanced oversight, legislative reform, and clearer accountability for senior-level conduct.

Response from Police Leadership

In response to the IPCA report, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers described the conduct of former senior police leaders as “inexcusable.” He acknowledged that the ambitions of a senior officer were prioritized over the well-being of a vulnerable woman, stating, “She was ignored and badly let down. That was unacceptable.”

Chambers characterized the report’s details as “appalling reading” and reflected a “total lack of leadership and integrity at the highest levels.” He emphasized that most individuals involved in the case have since left the organization and that an independent King’s Counsel will oversee any necessary employment investigations.

Chambers also confirmed that the police are implementing a comprehensive integrity reform program. This initiative includes enhancing the National Integrity Unit, revising the Police Code of Conduct, and conducting a performance review by the Public Service Commission focusing on integrity and conduct. He assured the public that the worst outcome would be if individuals felt unsafe reporting sexual assault to the police.

The IPCA has urged for legislative and structural reforms to bolster the independence of misconduct investigations. It emphasized the need for ministerial and parliamentary scrutiny of integrity cases moving forward. Although most officers act with fairness and restraint, the report highlights the necessity for a sustained plan of action to restore public trust.

As the situation develops, the focus remains on ensuring that the failures identified in the McSkimming case lead to meaningful changes within the New Zealand Police, fostering an environment where integrity and accountability are paramount.