The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found serious failings in how senior Police handled complaints made against Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming in 2023 and early 2024.
The complaints, referred to the IPCA on 10 October 2024, included allegations of sexual interaction without consent, threats involving an intimate visual recording, and misuse of a Police credit card and property to further a sexual relationship.
The Authority said Police response to the complaints was characterised by “inaction and unquestioning acceptance” of McSkimming’s version of events. It found serious misconduct by several senior officers, including the then Commissioner, two Deputy Commissioners and an Assistant Commissioner.
The IPCA found no effective action was taken to investigate a LinkedIn comment raising concerns about McSkimming’s appointment as statutory Deputy Commissioner in April 2023.
A February 2024 report from the joint Police and Health Fixated Threat Assessment Centre had recommended referral of the allegations to the National Integrity Unit and the IPCA, but this was ignored. Instead, Police launched an investigation into the complainant under the Harmful Digital Communications Act, which led to her prosecution.
The IPCA said the handling of three 105 online complaints in April 2024 breached statutory obligations to notify the Authority and was delayed for months. When an investigation finally began in July 2024, it did not comply with the Police Adult Sexual Assault Policy.
The report found then Commissioner Andrew Coster attempted to influence the IPCA investigation and its timeframe to avoid affecting McSkimming’s prospects of becoming Commissioner. Coster also failed to disclose his prior knowledge of McSkimming’s relationship when serving on the 2023 interview panel and during the 2024 interim Commissioner appointment process.
The Authority said his actions fell short of what would reasonably be expected of someone in his position.
Despite the serious findings, the report acknowledged staff who acted with integrity and moral courage under pressure.
The Authority said the findings show the Police integrity system must be strengthened to ensure transparency and fairness when misconduct occurs at senior levels.
Recommendations include clearer accountability for integrity protection, stronger internal policies, greater independence for the Integrity and Conduct Unit, legislative reforms to address misconduct, and enhanced IPCA and Parliamentary oversight.
The IPCA said its report assesses Police actions based on what officers knew at the time and makes no findings on the truth of the allegations against McSkimming.
The Government is moving to establish the strongest possible oversight of the New Zealand Police following a damning report into the handling of complaints against former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
Public Service Minister Judith Collins said the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) had conducted a wide-ranging and comprehensive review, with findings she described as “extremely concerning and disappointing.”
“It has found serious issues within the former Police executive, which is why the Government is acting decisively to install the strongest statutory oversight mechanism available to it – an Inspector-General of Police,” Collins said.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he expected Police to uphold the highest levels of integrity, transparency and accountability.
“The report highlights significant flaws in the decision making, judgement and actions of a group of individuals, including those at the top of the previous Police executive. Their actions have raised serious concerns about integrity and culture within the then executive,” Mitchell said.
“At the centre of this is a woman who has been let down by the former Police executive and the system. I cannot express how frustrated and disappointed I have been since becoming aware of the situation.”
The report raised concerns about whether there was sufficient independent oversight of the Police to prevent similar issues occurring again. It also questioned the probity checking of McSkimming by the Public Service Commission (PSC) when he was appointed Deputy Police Commissioner in 2023.
The matter was later picked up during the Police Commissioner recruitment process in 2024, after which McSkimming was suspended and subsequently resigned.
“New Zealanders will understandably have questions around how McSkimming was able to be considered for roles at the highest level of Police given what has come to light. The PSC is taking these concerns very seriously,” Collins said.
The IPCA report made 13 recommendations for Police and a further two for the Government regarding oversight, all of which have been accepted.
“The report recommends strengthening the IPCA, but it is imperative New Zealanders have confidence in our Police. That is why we are choosing the most robust level of oversight available to the Government, which is to appoint an Inspector-General to give the highest level of independent oversight of Police,” Collins said.
She said the Public Service Commission had already strengthened its recruitment processes, following an independent review into the reference and probity checks undertaken on McSkimming before his 2023 appointment.
“The review found the PSC’s appointment processes overall were sound, well-considered and well-managed but recommended ways they could be improved, and these have now been implemented. This includes guidance on how to probe personal and sensitive matters,” Collins said.
Mitchell said Police had accepted all of the IPCA’s recommendations, which included strengthening integrity and conduct processes, amending the Code of Conduct to provide for mandatory reporting, and refreshing integrity training.
Earlier, the IPCA found the Police response to serious complaints made against McSkimming in 2023 and 2024 was marked by inaction and unquestioning acceptance of his account of events. The Authority identified serious misconduct by several senior officers, including the then Commissioner, two Deputy Commissioners and an Assistant Commissioner.
It said the findings showed Police integrity systems must be strengthened to ensure transparency and fairness when misconduct occurs at senior levels.
The IPCA said its report assessed Police actions based on what officers knew at the time and made no findings on the truth of the allegations against McSkimming. It will not be making further comment.
