Content Warning:
This story contains references to child sexual exploitation and bestiality. Reader discretion is advised. The content may be distressing for some audiences.
Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming allegedly possessed images depicting child sexual exploitation and bestiality on his work devices, according to court documents newly accessible after a High Court injunction was lifted.
McSkimming, once the second-highest ranked officer in the New Zealand Police, resigned in May following a criminal investigation and an earlier suspension related to misconduct involving a younger, non-sworn female staff member. His resignation came shortly after he lost out on the Commissioner role to Richard Chambers in November last year.
At the time, Police Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed that McSkimming had stepped down before facing dismissal. “Allegations of a very serious nature recently came to light, separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended,” Mitchell said in a public statement.
Reports of “objectionable material” allegedly found on McSkimming’s work devices surfaced soon after, but the media were initially barred from detailing the nature of the material. His lawyer, Linda Clark, successfully sought an emergency “super injunction” from the High Court on 16 May, which prevented not only publication of the content details but also the existence of the order itself.
On 19 May, Justice Cheryl Gwyn extended the injunction but allowed media to report that it existed. A legal challenge from Stuff, RNZ and NZME followed, with the media companies jointly represented by King’s Counsel Robert Stewart. After hearing arguments on 3 June, Justice Karen Grau dismissed the application on 11 July. McSkimming was given five working days to appeal but chose not to, clearing the way for public reporting of the allegations.
The objectionable material reportedly includes images of child sexual exploitation and bestiality, raising serious concerns about digital oversight in New Zealand’s top law enforcement agency.
McSkimming has not responded to requests for comment. Commissioner Richard Chambers, now leading the police, said he could not comment while inquiries continue.
However, Chambers has since ordered an independent review into police technology systems, which found internal monitoring processes to be “inconsistent,” “inadequate” and “insufficient.” Chambers said he would reintroduce audits of data and internet use on police devices “as soon as possible,” after routine six-monthly reviews were paused in 2020 due to other “high-priority measures.”
“Robust mechanisms must be in place to prevent inappropriate use of police devices,” Chambers said.
Although regular monitoring ceased, Chambers confirmed that all internet traffic on police networks has continued to be logged and filtered. Checks on individual devices have been carried out “if and when issues were raised,” he added.
McSkimming joined the police in Auckland in 1996, later serving in Invercargill, Gore and Murchison. He went on to become an instructor at the police college near Wellington and held leadership roles in both Wellington and Porirua. His career trajectory led to national roles, including overseeing digital rollouts like iPhones and Skoda patrol cars. He was appointed Deputy Commissioner in April 2023 by the Governor-General, on the advice of then Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.
Now, his once-distinguished career is under the shadow of one of the most disturbing allegations ever faced by a senior New Zealand police official.