Minister Mark Mitchell defends the police in the middle of Jevon McSkimming's pornography scandal

Police Minister Mark Mitchell accepts that confidence in the police could score a goal after the resignation of the former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming.

But Mitchell said reporters, he hoped that the public realizes that New Zealand has a “world -class police weapon”.

“The public is astonishing enough to know that they will have isolated cases of poor behavior, but they also recognize the fact that our police are doing very quickly to deal with it,” said Mitchell.

McSkimming resigned on Monday as the most powerful police officer in the country because the independent police behavioral authority and the police were examined for four months.

RNZ understands that pornography was found on a police device as part of the criminal investigation and that it was examined as supposedly offensive material.

Mitchell announced on Monday that McSkimming had resigned before he could be released. He said that he had already instructed the Commission for the Public Service to start the process of removing McSkimming from office after allegations have come to light “because of a very serious nature”.

Former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
Photo: RNZ / Reece Baker

Mithell spoke to reporters on Tuesday and confirmed that developments could distinguish trust in the organization.

“When you see that I have to take measures against the deputy commissioner in this way, I understand that this could have an impact on the public's trust,” he said.

Mitchell said as an ex-COP that the police call was very important to him.

“I hope that the public will see through and realize that we have an excellent police, we have incredible police officers.

“Yes, as with every big organization when there are bad behavior or you get people who do not hold on to the values ​​… then quick measures are taken.

“In this case, even though it is one of our most high -ranking police officers, they were seen that measures were taken very quickly to ensure that the public's trust can be maintained.”

Mitchell refused to comment in detail about the circumstances of the resignation of McSkimming.

McSkimming was appointed in 2023 in the role of deputy commissioner when the Labor leader Chris Hipkin's prime minister was.

Hipkins said he was not aware of the nature of the allegations and “no red flags” were raised with him during the appointment.

The police spokesman for Labor, Ginny Andersen – a former Minister of Police – said reporters that she was also none of McSkimming in connection with the portfolio.

Andersen said McSkimming was always hardworking and “a pleasure to work”. She said they had a good working relationship.

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