Probe allegedly related to conduct towards a former female non-sworn police employee
Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has been suspended from duty amid an ongoing criminal investigation related to his conduct, according to reports.
The suspension of McSkimming, the second most powerful policeman in New Zealand, was confirmed by his lawyers in a statement to news outlets.
"Consistent with normal police practice in this situation, Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming was suspended prior to Christmas," said Michael Heron KC, who is acting for McSkimming, along with Linda Clark, in a statement to Stuff.
"He remains on full pay, pending a criminal investigation."
Reports of McSkimming's suspension first emerged in December, when it was reported that he had been on leave for several weeks.
The suspension stems from the top cop's alleged misconduct towards a former female non-sworn police employee many years his junior, Stuff reported.
"Mr McSkimming is cooperating fully with Police and looks forward to the investigation being concluded swiftly, after which he expects to resume his duties as Deputy Commissioner," Heron said.
"Until this process is complete, he will not be making any further comment."
Police Minister Mark Mitchell noted that the suspension was "appropriate" due to the nature of the investigation, but refrained from making further comments on the case.
The Public Service Commission and the Independent Police Conduct Authority also did not comment on the case, according to Stuff.
The number of police staff placed under criminal investigation has been increasing since 2021, reaching a total of 333 as of November 2024.
But Chris Cahill, president of the Police Association, pointed out that some of these cases may be minor offences, such as traffic-related breaches.
Among recent high-profile conduct-related cases involving New Zealand police was Superintendent Bruce Bird, Waikato's district commander, who was found to have committed bullying after yelling at a senior officer in two senior management meetings.
