NZ Deputy Police Commissioner Resigns After Porn Found on Work Computer

Police Minister Mark Mitchell has confirmed that he had initiated the process to remove Jevon McSkimming, who was already on leave over another incident.

NZ Police Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming (C) speaks while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (L) and Minister of Police Mark Mitchell look on at New Zealand Police Headquarters in Wellington, New Zealand, on Sept. 19, 2024. Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

New Zealand’s Deputy Police Commissioner—already the subject of a four-month investigation into his conduct—has resigned before he could be dismissed after pornography was found on his work computer.

Jevon McSkimming was the subject of inquiries by the police and the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), believed to centre on his conduct toward a former non-sworn female police employee. He was placed on paid leave late last year while the investigation ran its course.

It is understood that, during that investigation, pornography was found on a police device.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell said in a statement that McSkimming had resigned before he could be dismissed.

“I can confirm a process had been underway for the Prime Minister to consider recommending the governor-general immediately remove the Deputy Commissioner of Police from office,” Mitchell said in a statement.

“I instructed the Public Service Commission to commence the process to remove Mr McSkimming from office after allegations of a very serious nature recently came to light, separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended.

‘Serious Question’ Over Conduct: Minister

“The Policing Act is very clear: A deputy commissioner of oolice must be a ‘fit and proper’ person. They are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct, and this new information called into serious question Mr McSkimming’s fitness for office,” Mitchell said.

“When Mr McSkimming was invited to respond to these allegations, he chose to resign.”

That decision “confirmed my view that his continuation in the role was untenable,” he said.

The police and IPCA investigations into McSkimming will continue, the minister confirmed.

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers confirmed he has been advised of McSkimming’s resignation but refused to comment because of the ongoing criminal investigation.

The former deputy commissioner’s lawyers also refused to comment.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon was asked several times by reporters to comment on the situation, but did not.

“I’m not going to get into any of this. The reality is I’m aware of the resignation, aware of the circumstances around it,” he said.

McSkimming, 51, joined the police in 1996 and was appointed to the role of deputy commissioner in April 2023.

He has been credited with overseeing large restructures and managing areas such as IT systems, vehicles, the property portfolio, and the launch of the police 105 non-emergency number.