Jevon McSkimming appeared at the Wellington District Court on Thursday. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material.
The 52-year-old appeared in the Wellington District Court on Thursday before Judge Tim Black.
McSkimming pleaded guilty to three representative charges of possessing objectionable publications, namely child sexual exploitation and bestiality material knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the publication is objectionable.
Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said McSkimming's conduct was "disgraceful and it is right he has been held to account for it".
"The outcome shows all police, no matter their rank, are accountable to the laws that apply to us all.
"Mr McSkimming's behaviour was not only criminal, but goes against the core values of police. I will not allow this to tarnish my staff, who are as appalled by this as I am.
"This shameful episode has done their dedication an immense disservice."
Chambers said from the moment he was advised about the circumstances he had taken it "seriously and acted on it".
"As soon as I was made aware of the nature of the material found, I raised it with the Minister of Police as a conduct matter to allow him to consider Mr McSkimming's position at the time as a statutory deputy commissioner.
"Mr McSkimming subsequently resigned from police." He aded that his conduct "has no place in police".
Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
Chambers also ordered a rapid review of the controls and security of police devices.
"I moved quickly to remedy the gaps it identified and ordered auditing and monitoring of staff use of police devices.
"We will investigate any cases of staff found to have accessed inappropriate or objectionable material and will take action where conduct falls short of standard and expectations."
Chambers ended his statement acknowledging the "the outstanding work of more than 15,000 Police staff across the country who work day and night to help keep our country safe".
Allegations sparked reviews
McSkimming resigned as the country's second most powerful cop in May amid separate investigations by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) and police.
The IPCA had earlier announced it was investigating allegations of misconduct by McSkimming following a complaint from a member of the public.
"This comprises oversight of a police investigation into whether there has been any criminal wrongdoing by Mr McSkimming and a review of whether there has been any related non-criminal misconduct."
It was also conducting an investigation into if there was misconduct or neglect of duty by any other police officers or employee in the course of responding to the allegations.
Several high-ranking members of police are believed to have been interviewed as part of the investigation.
RNZ earlier revealed the final report was shown to a group of people on October 24.
The IPCA has confirmed it had completed its investigation into police handling of complaints against McSkimming. Other aspects of its investigation were ongoing.
The IPCA was releasing its report "in confidence to a very limited audience".
"There is no public release at this time due to ongoing Court matters.
"We will not make any further comment."
McSkimming made no comment, refusing to answer any questions from the media as he left the Wellington District Court on Thursday.
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