<\/p>\n
\nJevon McSkimming appeared at the Wellington District Court on Thursday.
\nPhoto: RNZ \/ Mark Papalii\n<\/p>\n
Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material.<\/p>\n
The 52-year-old appeared in the Wellington District Court on Thursday before Judge Tim Black.<\/p>\n
McSkimming pleaded guilty to three 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.<\/p>\n
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said McSkimming’s conduct was “disgraceful and it is right he has been held to account for it”.<\/p>\n
“The outcome shows all police, no matter their rank, are accountable to the laws that apply to us all.<\/p>\n
“Mr McSkimming’s behaviour was not only criminal, but goes against the core values of police. I will not allow this to tarnish my staff, who are as appalled by this as I am.<\/p>\n
“This shameful episode has done their dedication an immense disservice.”<\/p>\n
Chambers said from the moment he was advised about the circumstances he had taken it “seriously and acted on it”.<\/p>\n
“As soon as I was made aware of the nature of the material found, I raised it with the Minister of Police as a conduct matter to allow him to consider Mr McSkimming’s position at the time as a statutory deputy commissioner.<\/p>\n
“Mr McSkimming subsequently resigned from police.” He aded that his conduct “has no place in police”.<\/p>\n
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Photo: RNZ \/ Mark Papalii\n<\/p>\n
Chambers also ordered a rapid review of the controls and security of police devices.<\/p>\n
“I moved quickly to remedy the gaps it identified and ordered auditing and monitoring of staff use of police devices.<\/p>\n
“We will investigate any cases of staff found to have accessed inappropriate or objectionable material and will take action where conduct falls short of standard and expectations.”<\/p>\n
Chambers ended his statement acknowledging the “the outstanding work of more than 15,000 Police staff across the country who work day and night to help keep our country safe”.<\/p>\n
Allegations sparked reviews<\/p>\n
McSkimming resigned as the country’s second most powerful cop in May amid separate investigations by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) and police.<\/p>\n
The IPCA had earlier announced it was investigating allegations of misconduct by McSkimming following a complaint from a member of the public.<\/p>\n
“This comprises oversight of a police investigation into whether there has been any criminal wrongdoing by Mr McSkimming and a review of whether there has been any related non-criminal misconduct.”<\/p>\n
It was also conducting an investigation into if there was misconduct or neglect of duty by any other police officers or employee in the course of responding to the allegations.<\/p>\n
Several high-ranking members of police are believed to have been interviewed as part of the investigation.<\/p>\n
RNZ earlier revealed the final report was shown to a group of people on October 24.<\/p>\n
The IPCA has confirmed it had completed its investigation into police handling of complaints against McSkimming. Other aspects of its investigation were ongoing.<\/p>\n
The IPCA was releasing its report “in confidence to a very limited audience”.<\/p>\n
“There is no public release at this time due to ongoing Court matters.<\/p>\n
“We will not make any further comment.”<\/p>\n
McSkimming made no comment, refusing to answer any questions from the media as he left the Wellington District Court on Thursday.<\/p>\n