Three officers have been stood down from duties, NZ Police says
Three staff members of the New Zealand Police have been stood down and will be facing charges for possessing objectionable publications.
New Zealand Police Deputy Commissioner Tim Anderson said they are moving to prosecute the three staff members following separate investigations arising from a rapid review of Police information security controls.
Two Auckland-based constabulary staff will appear in the Manukau District Court over the coming days.
A third officer will be appearing at a court in the Wellington region at a later date.
"These three Police staff remain stood down from duties," Anderson said.
Each officer is being charged with multiple counts of possessing an objectionable publication, under the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act, according to the deputy commissioner.
Radio New Zealand reported that one of the officers, who is in his 50s, is facing nine charges of possessing an objectionable publication.
Citing court documents, RNZ reported that the offending occurred between August 2023 and October 2025.
"Prosecution of our own staff is a serious but important step to take as it recognises the significance of the alleged offending that has been identified," Anderson said.
The rapid review at the New Zealand Police comes after former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming stepped down from his role after child exploitation and bestiality material were found on his work devices.
A total of 22 cases have been investigated, according to Anderson. Four people have resigned during the process, while three investigations remain ongoing.
Another 12 cases have been resolved through either disciplinary action or performance management.
