Jevon McSkimming was arrested in relation to the charges of possessing objectionable publications on 27 June in Wellington. Photo: POOL
Police are remaining tight-lipped about the investigation into former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming that was launched prior to objectionable material allegedly being found on his work devices.
McSkimming, 52, is facing eight charges of possessing objectionable publications, including child sexual exploitation and bestiality material over a four-year period.
In November last year McSkimming was placed on "special leave" as the IPCA investigated an allegation about him. The following month police began a criminal investigation into that allegation.
RNZ understands it was during police's investigation that the alleged objectionable material was found on his work devices.
A second criminal investigation was then launched which led to McSkimming resigning in May and later being arrested on eight representative charges of possessing objectionable publications, namely child sexual exploitation and bestiality material knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the publication is objectionable.
No charges have been laid in relation to the first criminal investigation.
Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz
RNZ asked police on Friday whether the first criminal investigation was ongoing, and if police had ruled out further charges.
In response a police spokesperson said the investigation was "ongoing" and said there were no updates at this point.
McSkimming was arrested in relation to the charges of possessing objectionable publications on 27 June in Wellington. It's understood McSkimming's lawyers approached the Wellington District Court seeking name suppression shortly before he was arrested given the media coverage at the time.
The application was granted in chambers.
Jevon McSkimming declined to comment to media outside court after his last appearance. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
Later that day RNZ approached both police and the Wellington District Court with inquiries about McSkimming's arrest.
Police declined to comment, and the Wellington District Court confirmed an application had been granted prohibiting media from being able to report McSkimming's name, identifying particulars as well as the nature of the charges he faced before his first appearance.
McSkimming, then referred to by RNZ as a "prominent New Zealander" first appeared in the Wellington District Court, via audio-visual link on 3 July. He was remanded on bail without plea until 4 August.
A suppression order in relation to McSkimming's charges lapsed earlier this month after he did not apply for a continuation of the interim suppression.
He was remanded on bail by Judge Tim Black, without plea, until his next appearance in November.
In a statement, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said the prosecution showed no one was above the law.
"The prosecution of Mr Jevon McSkimming shows no member of the police is above the law, no matter how senior," he said.
"Given the matter is still before the courts, I am not able to make further comment at this point."
The Independent Police Conduct Authority earlier announced it was investigating allegations of misconduct by McSkimming following a complaint from a member of the public.
It is also conducting an investigation into if there was misconduct or neglect of duty by any other
police officers or employee in responding to the allegations.
The investigations were being given priority, but no timeframe for their completion date could be given.
Andrew Coster Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Former police commissioner Andrew Coster, who is now the chief executive of the Social Investment Agency declined to comment when asked by RNZ about the IPCA's investigation on Friday.
"This is an ongoing investigation, and as such, it is inappropriate for Mr Coster to comment at this time," a spokesperson replied.
McSkimming was one of the final two candidates for New Zealand's top cop job last year, with Chambers eventually appointed police commissioner.
McSkimming was promoted to statutory deputy commissioner in 2023 based on the recommendation to then-prime minister Chris Hipkins.
Late last year he was overseeing road policing and operational services, which include strategy, media and communications, risk and assurance, and firearms regulation and reform.
During his appointment process, it was noted he had a "relatively unique career path", working at police headquarters since 2010 across a range of areas: strategy, service delivery, resolution, financial planning, arms admin, ICT and infrastructure.
McSkimming joined the police in 1996 and worked on the frontline in Auckland and Southland.
He had also been responsible for large restructures - as well as managing police IT systems, property portfolio, vehicles, and launching the 105 non-emergency number.
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