The Jevon McSkimming case and its impact on the New Zealand Police

In mid-2025 objectionable material had been discovered on the work devices of Jevon McSkimming, a former Deputy Police Commissioner. The material included images of child sexual exploitation and bestiality.

The discovery of objectionable material triggered criminal charges and exposed weaknesses in internal oversight, leading to one of the most serious integrity crises in the history of the New Zealand Police.

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

This report outlines the broader implications of the McSkimming case for public trust and institutional integrity within the police force.

Concerns first arose in November 2024 when McSkimming was suspended during an inquiry by the Independent Police Conduct Authority. At the time no details were released. In May he resigned suddenly. Media later confirmed that pornography had been located on his police-issued work device. A deeper forensic review revealed that the content was not only inappropriate but objectionable. The images were classified as child sexual exploitation and bestiality, making them among the most serious forms of prohibited material under New Zealand law.

Image: The exterior signage of Wellington Central Police Station, the headquarters for policing operations in the capital city of New Zealand. (Sam Hudson - thisquality)

Early this year McSkimming was arrested in Wellington. He faces eight charges of possessing objectionable material covering the years 2020 to 2024. His first appearance took place on 3 July by audio-visual link. He was granted bail and name suppression was initially applied. That suppression expired in August, allowing his identity to be published. He has not yet entered a plea and is due back in court in November.

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

In addition to the criminal case, McSkimming sought to restrict reporting of the allegations through what became known as a “super-injunction.” This request attempted to prevent not only the description of the material but also the fact that suppression existed. While the High Court allowed temporary suppression it ultimately ruled against continuing such an order. As a result the public was informed of the nature of the material which clarified the seriousness of the case.

Image: Commissioner Andrew Coster (foreground) with then–Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming (background) at the launch of the New Zealand Police Škoda patrol fleet in 2021. (Sam Hudson - thisquality)

Police leadership reacted with urgency. Commissioner Richard Chambers acknowledged the shock and emphasised that no one is beyond the law.

Former Commissioner Andrew Coster described the revelations as “really disturbing.”

The McSkimming case has raised profound questions about accountability within the highest levels of policing. For many the revelations undermined confidence in an institution built on public trust. The case has also highlighted the importance of transparency in judicial processes.

Image: Police staff working at computer stations during the opening of the Porirua Police Hub in 2021. (Sam Hudson - thisquality)

A rapid review of police information systems followed. The review found weaknesses in how internet activity was monitored and how inappropriate material was filtered. It recommended tighter controls and new protocols for monitoring usage across all police devices.

Advertisement
    
    This ad is not available right now due to a network issue or pending review with the Google Advertisement Network. Please check back later.
  
    Advertisement
    Why this ad?
      
        Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉

The charges against Jevon McSkimming mark one of the most serious scandals to confront the New Zealand Police. The discovery of child exploitation and bestiality material on the device of a senior leader has shaken confidence in the force.

The case remains before the courts, but regardless of the outcome, its legacy will be a demand for stronger systems of oversight and a reminder that accountability must reach every level of public service.

Support Brief Banner

Keep independent journalism going.

We are independent and committed to bringing authentic reporting to the people.

thisquality is built for the people and powered by their support. People like you reading this free article help us remain a strong and independent platform within New Zealand's media landscape.

I'd like to donate

About thisquality

Advertisement

Advertisement Why this ad? Advertising revenue keeps articles from thisquality free to read. Ads are personalised by Google, not us. Thank you for your support! 🎉