Police staff caught in McSkimming review charged with possessing objectionable publications
Thursday, 11 June 2026
Three police staff members are being prosecuted following separate investigations that arose from a rapid review of police information security controls.
Two Auckland-based officers face multiple charges of possessing an objectionable publication under the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act.
A third officer will appear in a Wellington court at a later date.
The wider investigation involved 22 total cases, resulting in four resignations and 12 cases resolved through disciplinary action or performance management, and three ongoing inquiries.
Three police staff members have been charged with possessing objectionable publications after investigations arising from a rapid review of police information security controls in the wake of the McSkimming scandal.
The prosecutions relate to alleged offending identified during the review process, with two Auckland-based constabulary staff due to appear in the Manukau District Court in the coming days and a third officer expected to appear in a court in the Wellington region at a later date.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Tim Anderson said the decision to prosecute police employees was a “serious but important step to take” as it reflected the seriousness of the allegations uncovered during the investigations.
Court documents seen by Stuff, show an Auckland man in his 50s is facing nine charges of possessing objectionable publications.
The alleged offending spans from 2023 through to 2025.
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The police investigation involved analysis of a “significant volume of web activity.”
“I would like to acknowledge the professionalism and commitment by our investigators in the National Integrity Unit for their work to this point,” Anderson said.
The three staff members remain stood down from duties, Anderson said.
The “rapid review” of security on police devices was triggered by serious concerns about police information security in the wake of former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming being found with objectionable material on his work devices.
He pleaded guilty to charges involving child exploitation and bestiality images and avoided jail at his sentencing in December.
Anderson said three investigations remain ongoing as part of the rapid review.
In total, police investigated 22 cases connected to the rapid review. Of those, 12 have been resolved through disciplinary action or performance management processes.
Four people have resigned during the review process.