Key Takeaways
- Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is determined to prevent a repeat of the "group think" and closed ranks that led to the blocking of an investigation into disgraced former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming
- Chambers is appointing a new leadership team and reducing the number of assistant commissioner roles to improve police leadership and accountability
- The Independent Police Conduct Authority report into the handling of the McSkimming complaints has led to three serving police officers being under investigation
- Chambers has ordered regular audits of internet usage, which has identified 20 staff with concerning activity, and has welcomed the potential appointment of an Inspector General for Police
- The McSkimming scandal has highlighted the need for police to remain vigilant and accountable, and Chambers is committed to ensuring that the police force learns from its mistakes
Introduction to the McSkimming Scandal
The New Zealand police force has been rocked by the scandal surrounding former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming, who pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material over a four-year period. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has spoken out about the scandal, stating that he is determined to prevent a repeat of the "group think" and closed ranks that led to the blocking of an investigation into McSkimming. Chambers has acknowledged that the report by the independent police watchdog had called out the decisions, behaviours, and processes adopted by the former executive, and has committed to ensuring that such mistakes are not repeated under his watch.
New Leadership Team and Reforms
Chambers has announced that he is appointing a new leadership team to lead police into 2026, with two new deputy commissioners confirmed before the end of the year. The number of assistant commissioner roles has also been reduced to five, with at least two of those roles to be filled by new appointments. This move is aimed at improving police leadership and accountability, and reducing the risk of "group think" and closed ranks that led to the McSkimming scandal. Chambers has also ordered regular audits of internet usage, which had stopped several years ago, and has identified 20 staff with concerning activity. Three of these staff members were able to explain the material found as part of their jobs, while six have been stood down from active duty.
Investigations and Accountability
The Independent Police Conduct Authority report into the handling of the McSkimming complaints has led to three serving police officers being under investigation, led by Kristy McDonald KC. Recommendations are expected before the end of the year, and Chambers has welcomed the potential appointment of an Inspector General for Police. This move is seen as a way to increase accountability and transparency within the police force, and to provide an additional mechanism for concerns to be raised. Chambers has also stated that he will welcome the appointment of an Inspector General for Police, as signalled by the Government, and believes that it will help to keep the organisation safe and leaders accountable.
Lessons Learned from the McSkimming Scandal
The McSkimming scandal has highlighted the need for police to remain vigilant and accountable, and Chambers is committed to ensuring that the police force learns from its mistakes. Chambers has stated that the scandal was not a failure of "process", but rather a failure of the former executive to follow established processes and protocols. He has emphasized the importance of following established procedures and protocols, and has committed to ensuring that there is no deviation from these processes in the future. The Police Integrity Unit, led by Detective Superintendent Kylie Schaare, is set to get seven new investigator positions, and Chambers has stated that he wants to ensure that the unit is able to effectively investigate complaints and concerns.
Other Police-Related Issues
Chambers has also addressed other police-related issues, including the 130 officers found to have been falsifying breath tests. He has described this as "very disappointing", but has emphasized that it should not detract from the work of thousands of police officers nationwide. He has also commented on the case of fugitive Tom Phillips, who was on the run with his children in the Waikato bush for four years. Chambers has stated that he does not believe that police could have done more to catch Phillips, but has welcomed the inquiry into the matter and has committed to owning any mistakes that may have been made.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the McSkimming scandal has highlighted the need for police to remain vigilant and accountable, and Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is committed to ensuring that the police force learns from its mistakes. The appointment of a new leadership team, the reduction of assistant commissioner roles, and the introduction of regular audits of internet usage are all aimed at improving police leadership and accountability. The potential appointment of an Inspector General for Police is also seen as a way to increase transparency and accountability within the police force. By learning from the mistakes of the past, the police force can work to rebuild trust and confidence with the public, and to ensure that it is providing the best possible service to the community.
