"The public need to have trust in the police," say government ministers, who will appoint an Inspector General of Police, after a damning report into handling of the Jevon McSkimming case.
An investigation into police handling of complaints against the former Deputy Police Commissioner - released today - was critical of the actions of former Commissioner Andrew Coster.
McSkimming resigned as the country's second most powerful cop in May amid separate investigations by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police.
The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA)'s report says when police did eventually refer the woman's claims to the authority several months after it was recommended they do so, senior police attempted to influence the investigation.
Public Service Minister Judith Collins said the report's findings were "extremely concerning and disappointing", and it found serious issues within the former police executive.
Speaking to media early this evening, Collins said it was "very clear" the woman at the centre of the complaint was failed by senior police.
"What is also clear is that this cannot continue to happen."
She described the events as a "massive failure of leadership".
"This could have been avoided if senior police at the time had acted with integrity, called out bad behaviour when they saw it, and promptly investigated allegations when they were made."
Jevon McSkimming during his time as Deputy Police Commissioner. Photo: Getty Images
She said the government was "acting decisively" in response and will implement the strongest statutory oversight mechanism available, an Inspector General of Police.
She said the public needed to have trust in the police and leaders in the public sector.
"And they have a right to expect that when things go wrong, people are held to account, and that is what we are doing."
Coster is now the chief executive of the Social Investment Agency, but is currently on leave from that role.
Collins said the Public Service Commissioner and Coster agreed he would go on leave while the Public Service Commissioner carried out his own investigation.
Collins said it was currently an employment matter and cannot comment further, but said the report speaks for itself.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he expected police to uphold the "highest levels of integrity, transparency and accountability".
"The report highlights significant flaws in the decision making, judgement and actions of a group of individuals, including those at the top of the previous Police executive.
"Their actions have raised serious concerns about integrity and culture within the then executive," he said.
Mitchell said at the centre of this, a woman had been "let down by the former police executive and the system".
"I cannot express how frustrated and disappointed I have been since becoming aware of the situation."
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The ministers said the report raised questions around whether there was "sufficient independent oversight" of the police to prevent these issues happening again. It also raised questions about "probity checking" of McSkimming by the Public Service Commission (PSC) when he was appointed Deputy Police Commissioner in 2023.
The matter was "picked up" during the Police Commissioner recruitment process in 2024, and McSkimming was suspended, then resigned.
Collins said New Zealanders will understandably have questions around "how McSkimming was able to be considered for roles at the highest level of Police given what has come to light." She said the PSC was taking these concerns "very seriously".
The IPCA made 13 recommendations for police and two for the government regarding police oversight. Collins said all had been accepted.
"It is imperative New Zealanders have confidence in our police. That is why we are choosing the most robust level of oversight available to the government," said Collins.
Mitchell said police have accepted all the recommendations in the report, including "strengthening integrity and conduct processes, amending the code of conduct to provide for mandatory reporting, and refreshing integrity training."
He emphasised that all those in the executive who were involved in the case at the time have now left the police. He also emphasised the report findings should not be seen as a "reflection on our police service as a whole."
Mitchell said it was important to emphasise the report findings should not be seen as a reflection on our police service as a whole.
"I commend the staff highlighted in the review as having showed exceptional moral courage. They have done themselves, their colleagues and their organisation proud.
"It is imperative New Zealanders have trust and confidence in the police. That's why the government is taking these findings extremely seriously."
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