Deputy Commissioner of Police Jevon McSkimming has resigned, Police Minister Mark Mitchell has confirmed.
McSkimming had been on suspension since last December, pending a criminal investigation.
However, Mitchell said “allegations of a very serious nature recently came to light, separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended”.
He said McSkimming resigned today, with immediate effect, before he could be dismissed.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said the allegations “recently came to light, separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended”. (Source: 1News)
“When Mr McSkimming was invited to respond to these allegations he chose to resign. Mr McSkimming’s resignation has confirmed my view that his continuation in the role was untenable.
“Police advise that their investigations into Mr McSkimming will continue, notwithstanding his resignation.”
Deputy Commissioners of Police were appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
“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 the Policing Act was very clear, and 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.”
In a statement, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said he had been advised of the resignation and confirmed the criminal investigation would continue.
“I have no further comment at this stage,” Chambers said.
McSkimming’s lawyer Linda Clark declined to comment.
It was first reported in December last year that police and the Independent Police Conduct Authority were investigating McSkimming.
McSkimming, 51, joined the police in 1996 and has served in both Auckland and Southland.
He had been credited with overseeing large restructures and managing areas such as IT systems; vehicles; the property portfolio; and the launch of the police 105 non-emergency number.
He was appointed to the role of Deputy Commissioner in April 2023.
