Jevon McSkimming police scandal

The story so far

Former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming resigned in May after an investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) and police. Material including child sexual exploitation and bestiality content was allegedly found on his work devices. He pleaded guilty to three charges of possessing objectionable material, and in December was sentenced to nine months' home detention.^{12, 18 Jul 2025; 4 Aug 2025; 17 Dec 2025} A woman known as Ms Z has alleged that McSkimming groomed her for sex when she was a 21-year-old student, a claim he denies, describing the relationship as a consensual affair. Former commissioner Coster has said he briefed ministers on the allegations, but Police Minister Mark Mitchell and Labour leader Chris Hipkins have both disputed that account.^{2, 7, 8, 9 Dec 2025}

Latest

Mike Pannett has been appointed as a statutory Deputy Commissioner to replace McSkimming. McSkimming reportedly left court through a side door after sentencing to avoid waiting journalists.^{17, 19 Dec 2025}

What's next

Three newly appointed assistant commissioners will begin their roles in February.^{18 Dec 2025}

Key moments

1. 22 Jun 2025Fifty police employees found to have improperly accessed slain officer's case file.
2. 12 Jul 2025High Court dismisses McSkimming's bid to stop media reporting on alleged material.
3. 4 Aug 2025McSkimming faces eight objectionable publication charges; name suppression lapses.
4. 19 Nov 2025IPCA report alleges high-level cover-ups and corruption within police.
5. 20 Nov 2025Three staff face criminal investigations; six stood down over device misuse.
6. 21 Nov 2025Minister's electorate office received 17 emails alleging sexual abuse by McSkimming.
7. 2 Dec 2025Ms Z alleges McSkimming groomed her for sex; he denies the claims.
8. 4 Dec 2025Coster resigned before being dismissed, Public Service Commissioner says.
9. 7 Dec 2025Coster claims ministers were briefed; Mitchell says his recollections are wrong.
10. 17 Dec 2025McSkimming sentenced to nine months' home detention; not required to register.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.