Jevon McSkimming
Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER
Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has resigned, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. McSkimming has been under investigationby the Independent Police Conduct Authority, and the New Zealand Police.
McSkimming resigned on Monday with immediate effect before he could be dismissed, Mitchell said.
McSkimming has been on leave for four months after he was suspended pending a criminal investigation.
He was under investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the New Zealand Police.
The nature of the allegations against him cannot be reported.
“I can confirm a process had been underway for the Prime Minister to consider recommending the Governor-General immediately remove the Deputy Commissioner of Police from office,” Mitchell said.
“I instructed the Public Service Commission to commence the process to remove Mr McSkimming from office after allegations of a very serious nature recently came to light, separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended.
“The Policing Act is very clear: A Deputy Commissioner of Police must be a ‘fit and proper’ person. They are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct and this new information called into serious question Mr McSkimming’s fitness for office.”
McSkimming resigned when he was invited to respond to the allegations, Mitchell said.
“Mr McSkimming’s resignation has confirmed my view that his continuation in the role was untenable.”
The police investigations into McSkimming will continue, he said.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers confirms he has been advised of Jevon McSkimming’s resignation from his position with NZ Police.
“The criminal investigation will continue and is not affected by the resignation. I have no further comment at this stage.”