New Zealand Police Deputy Commissioner Indicted for Possession of Child Exploitation Material

Possession of Inappropriate Material on Work Computer
Went on Leave Immediately After Investigation, Resigned This May

The Deputy Commissioner, the second-in-command of the New Zealand Police, has been brought to trial for possessing illegal content, including child exploitation material.

According to AFP, RNZ, 1News, and other local media on August 4 (local time), former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming, 52, was arrested and charged in June for possessing eight items of child exploitation and bestiality material. He was found to have stored such material on his work computer from July 2020 until December of last year, and an investigation into the matter began in December 2024. After the investigation commenced, McSkimming immediately went on leave and ultimately resigned in May 2025.

Former New Zealand Police Deputy Commissioner Javen Maxkeeming, accused of possessing child sexual exploitation material and other charges, is leaving the Wellington District Court on the 4th (local time). Photo by AFP

In May 2025, he filed for a suppression order to prevent the case from being made public, and the court granted the request, keeping his identity and details of the case concealed until now. However, on August 4, McSkimming appeared at Wellington District Court and decided not to apply for an extension of the suppression order, resulting in the disclosure of his identity and the charges against him. Some media outlets reported that the materials in McSkimming's possession involved child exploitation and bestiality. When asked by reporters if he had anything to say to the public as he left court, McSkimming replied briefly, "No."

McSkimming served in the police force for 28 years since 1996, working on the front lines in Auckland and Southland. In 2023, he was promoted to Deputy Commissioner on the recommendation of then-Prime Minister Chris Hipkins. In November 2024, he was shortlisted for the Police Commissioner position alongside current Commissioner Richard Chambers. If convicted, he faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

Commissioner Chambers, in an email to staff last month regarding this case, stated, "I know many people are angry and disappointed," adding, "I feel the same way." He also warned, "I expect a high (moral) standard from every employee, and regardless of rank or role, action will be taken if those standards are not met." On this day, Commissioner Chambers reiterated that the prosecution demonstrates "no one is above the law, regardless of a police officer's rank."