Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming Resigns Amid Serious Allegations

Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming has officially resigned from his post effective immediately, a move that preempted formal dismissal proceedings, according to an announcement today by Police Minister Mark Mitchell. The resignation follows McSkimming’s suspension in December 2024 and the emergence of new, unrelated allegations described as “very serious in nature.”

Background of the Suspension

McSkimming was placed on suspension late last year after an initial investigation by police. While details of that investigation have not been made public, his suspension was in accordance with the Policing Act 2008, which holds Deputy Commissioners to high standards of conduct, given their significant leadership roles within the New Zealand Police force.

New Allegations and Dismissal Proceedings

The latest developments that triggered the resignation came from fresh allegations not related to the initial investigation. Minister Mitchell revealed that these new claims called into question McSkimming’s status as a “fit and proper” person to hold the office of Deputy Commissioner. He had directed the Public Service Commission to begin a formal process of removal, which would have involved a recommendation from the Prime Minister to the Governor-General—an official mechanism for dismissing high-ranking police officials.

Mitchell stated:

“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… 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.”

Ongoing Police Investigations

Despite McSkimming's resignation, investigations into his conduct will continue. Police have confirmed that the resignation does not halt any inquiries, and authorities are proceeding with their internal and possibly criminal probes. However, no specifics have been disclosed as the matter remains under active investigation.

Minister Mitchell emphasized that while transparency is crucial, he is limited in what he can share due to the ongoing police processes:

“As the latest information remains subject to ongoing Police investigation, I am unable to provide further comment at this time.”

Reaction and Institutional Integrity

The resignation marks a significant and rare moment in New Zealand policing, raising questions about oversight, accountability, and the internal culture of the police force. As one of the top-ranking officials, the fall of McSkimming could lead to further scrutiny of senior police leadership.

The Deputy Commissioner role is not only high-ranking but also politically sensitive, with appointments made by the Governor-General on the advice of the Prime Minister. This level of appointment comes with expectations of unimpeachable integrity, which Mitchell asserts were no longer tenable in McSkimming's case.

What's Next

No replacement has yet been named for McSkimming. In the interim, operational continuity will likely be maintained by the remaining police leadership team. The incident also places increased pressure on police oversight bodies and the government to ensure transparent and rigorous vetting processes for future appointments.

As the investigations unfold, more details are expected to emerge that could further clarify the scope and seriousness of the allegations against McSkimming.