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Minister Mark Mitchell Defends Police Amidst Jevon McSkimming's Pornography Scandal
Police Minister Mark Mitchell accepts trust in the police could take a hit following the resignation of former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
But Mitchell told reporters he hopes the public realise that New Zealand has a "world class police force".
"The public are savvy enough to know that you are going to have isolated cases of bad behaviour, but they also recognise the fact that our police act very quickly to deal with that," Mitchell said.
McSkimming resigned as the country's second most powerful cop on Monday, amid a four-month investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police.
RNZ understands that as part of the criminal investigation, pornography was found on a police device and that it was being investigated as alleged objectionable material.
On Monday, Mitchell revealed McSkimming resigned before he could be dismissed. He said he already instructed the Public Service Commission to begin the process of removing McSkimming from office after allegations "of a very serious nature" came to light.
Addressing reporters on Tuesday, Mitchell acknowledged the developments could dent confidence in the organisation.
"When you see me having to take action against the deputy commissioner in this way, I understand that could have an impact on public confidence," he said.
Mitchell said, as an ex-cop, the police's reputation was very important to him.
"I hope that the public see through and realise that we have got an outstanding police force, we've got incredible police officers.
"Yes, like any big large organisation, if there's bad behaviour, or you get people who don't hold to the values... then quick action is taken.
"In this case, even though it involves one of our most senior police officers, you've seen that action was taken very quickly to make sure that that public confidence can be maintained."
Mitchell declined to comment on the circumstances of McSkimming's resignation in any detail.
McSkimming was appointed to the role of deputy commissioner in 2023 when Labour leader Chris Hipkins was prime minister.
Hipkins said he was not aware of the nature of the allegations and "no red flags" were raised with him during the appointment.
Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen - a former Police Minister - told reporters she was also unaware of any issues related to McSkimming when she held the portfolio.
Andersen said McSkimming was always hard-working and "a pleasure to work with". She said they had a good working relationship.
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