Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming is facing eight charges of possessing objectionable material, namely bestiality and child exploitation, it can be revealed.
McSkimming had name suppression since first appearing in court last month, but it has lapsed following his appearance in the Wellington District Court on Monday.
He resigned as the country’s second most powerful police officer in May amid separate investigations by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police.
The morning’s headlines in 90 seconds, including toddler found in suitcase on bus, Russian volcano erupts, and Liam Lawson pips former world champion. (Source: 1News)
In July, a court “superinjunction” lapsed, which allowed media to report the details of the objectionable material alleged to be found on McSkimming’s work devices.
On the same day McSkimming resigned, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers ordered an independent review of the organisations IT systems to ensure sufficient security measures for the detection and prevention of misuse.
The review found police needed more monitoring of staff internet use and stronger filtering mechanisms to guard against “inappropriate or harmful content” being accessed or downloaded.
McSkimming was one of the final two candidates for the role of police commissioner last year, with Richard Chambers eventually appointed.
He was promoted to statutory deputy commissioner in 2023 on the recommendation of then-prime minister Chris Hipkins.
He joined police in 1996 and worked on the frontline in Auckland and Southland.
