Deputy Police Commissioner in New Zealand Placed on Suspension Amid Criminal Investigation Focus
Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has been stood down as two investigations—one criminal—continue into undisclosed aspects of his behaviour.
The second-highest-ranking police officer in New Zealand, who recently narrowly missed out on the position of Commissioner, has been suspended following investigations by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) and the New Zealand Police, his lawyer has confirmed.
The exact allegations faced by Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming have yet to be revealed. He has apparently been on leave since December, but today, that became a formal suspension.
His lawyer, Michael Heron KC, said in a statement: “Consistent with normal police practice in this situation, [he] was suspended prior to Christmas. He remains on full pay pending a criminal investigation.
When any police officer faces an investigation of this nature, they are typically suspended from duty.
First Time
It is believed to be the first time a deputy commissioner has been suspended.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell also issued a brief statement, labelling the move as “appropriate.”
Mitchell earlier said it would be “inappropriate” to comment while “investigations are underway,” while the police said they were “not in a position to comment on any active investigation,” which was also the response of public sector watchdog the Public Service Commission and the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA).
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Despite making the final shortlist, McSkimming was overlooked to replace outgoing Commissioner Andrew Coster late last year, losing out to Richard Chambers who was appointed to the role for five years.
As one of two deputy commissioners—required by legislation and also appointed by the government—McSkimming holds an important position within the police and has a constitutional safeguard of independence from the police commissioner.
He or fellow statutory Deputy Tania Kura could, for instance, investigate Chambers without interference.
McSkimming, 51, has been a policeman for 29 years. He spent his first 10 years in frontline roles in Auckland, Southland, and the West Coast.
He then took on leadership roles in the Wellington district for several years before moving to Police National Headquarters in 2010 and rising through the ranks there.
