IPCA investigating former police deputy commissioner after complaint from public

Thursday, 15 May 2025

Allegations of 'objectionable material' on Jevon McSkimming’s police computer prompted his resignation, with concerns growing about public confidence in the police force.

The Independent Police Conduct Authority is investigating allegations of misconduct by former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming after a complaint from a member of the public.

McSkimming, formerly New Zealand’s second most powerful police officer, was suspended in December pending the outcome of the investigation. At the time, Stuff reported that he was under scrutiny over his conduct towards a former female non-sworn police staffer many years his junior.

Earlier this week, Police Minister Mark Mitchell announced McSkimming, 51, had resigned before he could be dismissed “after allegations of a very serious nature recently came to light, separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended”.

Stuff understands officers involved in the criminal investigation allegedly found “objectionable material” on his work computer.

Former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming is under investigation.

The IPCA said on Thursday its investigation comprised oversight of the police investigation into whether there has been any criminal wrongdoing by McSkimming, and “a review of whether there has been any related non-criminal misconduct”.

“In addition, the Authority is conducting an independent investigation into whether there has been misconduct or neglect of duty by any other Police officer or employee in the course of responding to the allegations,” they said.

The IPCA said it wouldn’t be making any further comment on the investigation until it is finished.

“They are being given priority, but no timeframe for their completion date can be given.”

On Thursday, at a media conference in Auckland, Police Minister Mark Mitchell confirmed that, “in general”, he knew what the content in question was on McSkimming’s computer, but refused to say what it was.

“I haven’t seen it, but I’ve been briefed on it. I can’t go into any detail because there’s an ongoing police investigation and I’m not going to put that at risk because I think the public expect the police to have the time now to actually go through that investigation without any comment or interference from outside.”

He declined to comment further.