Source: Radio New Zealand
Jevon McSkimming during his time as Deputy Police Commissioner. Getty Images
The government will install an Inspector General of Police following a damning report into police conduct, the Public Service Minister says.
Watch a live stream of a media conference with Public Service Minister Judith Collins:
An investigation into police handling of complaints against the former Deputy Police Commissioner – released today – was critical of the actions of former Commissioner Andrew Coster.
McSkimming resigned as the country’s second most powerful cop in May amid separate investigations by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA)’s report says when police did eventually refer the woman’s claims to the authority several months after it was recommended they do so, senior police attempted to influence the investigation.
Public Service Minister Judith Collins said the report’s findings were “extremely concerning and disappointing”, and it found serious issues within the former police executive.
She said the government was “acting decisively” in response and will implement the strongest statutory oversight mechanism available, an Inspector General of Police.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he expected police to uphold the “highest levels of integrity, transparency and accountability”.
“The report highlights significant flaws in the decision making, judgement and actions of a group of individuals, including those at the top of the previous Police executive.
“Their actions have raised serious concerns about integrity and culture within the then executive,” he said.
Mitchell said at the centre of this, a woman had been “let down by the former police executive and the system”.
“I cannot express how frustrated and disappointed I have been since becoming aware of the situation.”
The ministers said the report raised questions around whether there was “sufficient independent oversight” of the police to prevent these issues happening again. It also raised questions about “probity checking” of McSkimming by the Public Service Commission (PSC) when he was appointed Deputy Police Commissioner in 2023.
The matter was “picked up” during the Police Commissioner recruitment process in 2024, and McSkimming was suspended, then resigned.
Collins said New Zealanders will understandably have questions around “how McSkimming was able to be considered for roles at the highest level of Police given what has come to light.” She said the PSC was taking these concerns “very seriously”.
The IPCA made 13 recommendations for police and two for the government regarding police oversight. Collins said all had been accepted.
“It is imperative New Zealanders have confidence in our police. That is why we are choosing the most robust level of oversight available to the government,” said Collins.
Mitchell said police have accepted all the recommendations in the report, including “strengthening integrity and conduct processes, amending the code of conduct to provide for mandatory reporting, and refreshing integrity training.”
Mitchell said it was important to emphasise the report findings should not be seen as a reflection on our police service as a whole.
“I commend the staff highlighted in the review as having showed exceptional moral courage. They have done themselves, their colleagues and their organisation proud.
“It is imperative New Zealanders have trust and confidence in the police. That’s why the government is taking these findings extremely seriously.”
– more to come
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
