Key Takeaways:
- Angela Brazier, the executive director of the Firearms Safety Authority, is retiring two months after a scathing report by the police watchdog into how police handled allegations of sexual offending by former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
- Brazier was referred to in the report as "Ms G" and was found to have made inadequate disclosure about her knowledge of McSkimming’s behavior.
- The report led to the resignation of several high-ranking police officials, including former police commissioner Andrew Coster and former deputy commissioner Chris de Wattignar.
- A "health check" of the police agency found that the Firearms Safety Authority had operated in accordance with police policies in almost all cases, but identified some operational and governance risks.
- The police have accepted the findings and recommendations of the report and are taking action to address the issues raised.
Introduction to the Firearms Safety Authority
The executive director of the Firearms Safety Authority, Angela Brazier, is retiring two months after a scathing report by the police watchdog into how police handled allegations of sexual offending by former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Brazier, who was referred to in the report as "Ms G", was found to have made inadequate disclosure about her knowledge of McSkimming’s behavior. The report, which was released by the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA), led to the resignation of several high-ranking police officials, including former police commissioner Andrew Coster and former deputy commissioner Chris de Wattignar.
The IPCA Report
The IPCA report found that Brazier had known McSkimming for about 20 years and was aware of his affair with a woman, as well as the fact that he was being "harassed" with emails from her. Despite this, Brazier told the Public Service Commission that she had nothing relevant to disclose when they approached her for a reference check on McSkimming. The IPCA found that Brazier’s disclosure was inadequate in light of her knowledge at the time. Brazier’s lawyer has since stated that she is challenging the IPCA’s findings in relation to her.
The Health Check of the Police Agency
A "health check" of the police agency, which was conducted following concerns over its workplace culture, including intimate relationships and financial practices, found that the Firearms Safety Authority had operated in accordance with police policies in almost all cases. The review, which was completed in October, identified some operational and governance risks, including financial oversight, lack of specificity in the sensitive expenditure policy, and conflict-of-interest management. The police have accepted the findings and recommendations of the report and are taking action to address the issues raised.
The Aftermath of the Report
The IPCA report has had significant consequences for the police agency, with several high-ranking officials resigning or retiring in the aftermath. Former police commissioner Andrew Coster resigned as chief executive of the Social Investment Agency, while former deputy commissioner Chris de Wattignar quit as the Upper North head of aviation security at the Civil Aviation Authority. Former deputy commissioner Tania Kura and former assistant commissioner Paul Basham both retired ahead of the report being released. The police have stated that they are committed to addressing the issues raised in the report and are taking steps to improve their policies and practices.
The Retirement of Angela Brazier
Brazier will retire in April, after a 22-year policing career. She has held a variety of roles across operations, strategy, transformation, and partnerships, as well as corporate services manager for the Royal New Zealand Police College. Brazier was the founding director of the Firearms Safety Authority, which was established in 2021 to launch New Zealand’s first digital firearms registry. Her retirement comes as the police agency is undergoing a period of significant change and reform, following the release of the IPCA report.
Conclusion
The retirement of Angela Brazier and the release of the IPCA report mark a significant turning point for the police agency. The report has highlighted serious issues with the agency’s handling of allegations of sexual offending and has led to the resignation of several high-ranking officials. The police have accepted the findings and recommendations of the report and are taking action to address the issues raised. As the agency moves forward, it will be important for them to prioritize transparency, accountability, and a commitment to improving their policies and practices.