Latest news with #JevonMcSkimming
RNZ News
2 days ago
- RNZ News
Revealed: Child exploitation and bestiality material allegedly found on former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming's work devices
Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming resigned in May. He had been on leave since November last year. Photo: Getty Images Child exploitation and bestiality material were allegedly found on former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming's work devices , it can now be revealed. The revelation comes after a High Court judge dismissed an application to prevent media reporting the nature of the alleged objectionable material. McSkimming resigned as the country's second most powerful cop in May amid separate investigations by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police. His resignation came a week after RNZ approached him, via his lawyer, with allegations about material found on his work devices. RNZ earlier revealed pornography found on McSkimming's work devices was being investigated as alleged objectionable material. His lawyer Linda Clark was then granted a rare "superinjunction" by Justice Karen Grau that prohibited reporting that disclosed the nature of the allegedly objectionable material, as well as the existence of the injunction itself. Following a teleconference held by Justice Gwyn, the order prohibiting publication of the nature of the allegedly objectionable material was continued - but the order prohibiting the existence of the injunction was not continued, meaning RNZ could report the fact of McSkimming's application and the interim result. Do you know more? Email On 3 June, a hearing was held in the High Court at Wellington before Justice Karen Grau in relation to the injunction. RNZ, NZME and Stuff were jointly represented by Robert Stewart KC. On Friday, 11 July, Justice Grau released her judgement, declining McSkimming's application, but her reasons for doing so were suppressed and the existing interim injunction was continued to allow McSkimming time to file an appeal, should he wish to do so. No notice of appeal was filed, and RNZ can now report the type of objectionable publication purportedly found on his work devices. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers said he was unable to comment at this time. Police Minister Mark Mitchell also declined to comment. In November last year McSkimming was placed on "special leave" as the IPCA and then police carried out their separate investigations. RNZ understands it was during police's investigation that the alleged objectionable material was found on his work devices. A second criminal investigation was then launched. At the injunction hearing, Clark alleged information deemed "essential" to the investigation had been leaked to the media , who were intending to publish the information. The information gathered during the police investigation was "confidential", she said. She said that every time police had provided some substantive piece of information to McSkimming, it had appeared within the media "in a day or two days without exception". Clark said there was public interest in McSkimming's situation. She said public interest had been served to date. Stewart KC said there were two sorts of harm that could be considered, one of which was harm to the police investigation. He said the police had no concern that further disclosure of the material would impact their investigation. In relation to privacy, Stewart KC said McSkimming was "quite clearly" a public figure. "There is a huge public interest in these investigations into Mr McSkimming's abrupt resignation from office, first working day after he had been provided with the material by the Public Service Commission." Stewart KC said his clients submitted that, if the interim restraint should be continued, then "matters should be left to take their course, if there is to be any restraining at all, it should be as limited as possible for as short as possible". At the time of McSkimming's resignation Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he was recently informed of allegations of a "very serious nature", separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended. "When Mr McSkimming was invited to respond to these allegations he chose to resign. Mr McSkimming's resignation has confirmed my view that his continuation in the role was untenable." The IPCA earlier announced it was investigating allegations of misconduct by McSkimming following a complaint from a member of the public. It is also conducting an investigation into if there was misconduct or neglect of duty by any other police officers or employee in responding to the allegations. The investigations were being given priority, but no timeframe for their completion date could be given. McSkimming was one of the final two candidates for New Zealand's top cop job last year, with Chambers eventually appointed police commissioner. McSkimming was promoted to statutory deputy commissioner in 2023 on the recommendation of then-prime minister Chris Hipkins. Late last year he was overseeing road policing and operational services, which include strategy, media and communications, risk and assurance, and firearms regulation and reform. During his appointment process, it was noted he had a "relatively unique career path", working at police headquarters since 2010 across a range of areas: strategy, service delivery, resolution, financial planning, arms admin, ICT and infrastructure. McSkimming joined the police in 1996 and worked on the frontline in Auckland and Southland. He had also been responsible for large restructures - as well as managing police IT systems, property portfolio, vehicles, and launching the 105 non-emergency number. The investigation into McSkimming led to concerns that staff could bypass internal controls and "exploit vulnerabilities to access inappropriate content". The concerns prompted Police Commissioner Richard Chambers to order a "rapid review" of police's information security (INFOSEC) controls to ensure police had sufficiently strong controls to prevent or detect the misuse of police technology and equipment for non-work-related purposes. A summary of the review said some key issues were identified, including weaknesses in technology configuration, lack of visibility over user activity and gaps in governance. The report included key findings and recommendations in relation to each of the risks. There was "inconsistent application" of internet access policies across different workgroups as well as a "lack of robust filtering mechanisms" to consistently prevent access to unauthorised websites. The review also found there was "insufficient monitoring of internet usage to detect and respond to potential security threats and inappropriate usage." Other findings included unmanaged devices being used for operational activities and inadequate monitoring of user activity and network traffic. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
11-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Judge clears reporting of material on former Deputy Police Commissioner's computer
Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming resigned amid a four-month investigation. Photo: Getty Images Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming's High Court application to prevent media reporting the nature of alleged objectionable material found on his work computer has been dismissed, but the court has suppressed its reasons for doing so. He has been given five working days to appeal the judge's ruling. If an appeal is filed, the current interim injunction remains in place, until the appeal is determined. McSkimming resigned as the country's second-most powerful cop in May, amid a four-month investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police. His resignation came after Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he was recently informed of allegations of a "very serious nature", separate to the investigation that led to his suspension. RNZ earlier revealed pornography found on McSkimming's work computer was being investigated as alleged objectionable material. His lawyer, Linda Clark, was earlier granted a rare "superinjunction" by Justice Grau that prohibited reporting that disclosed the nature of the allegedly objectionable material, as well as the existence of the injunction itself. Following a teleconference held by Justice Gwyn, the order prohibiting publication of the nature of the allegedly objectionable material was continued - but the order prohibiting the existence of the injunction was not continued, meaning RNZ could report McSkimming's application and the interim result. On 3 June, a hearing was held in the High Court at Wellington before Justice Karen Grau in relation to the injunction. RNZ, NZME and Stuff were jointly represented by Robert Stewart KC. On Friday, Justice Grau released her judgment, declining McSkimming's application, but her reasons for doing so were suppressed and the existing interim injunction was continued to allow McSkimming time to file an appeal, should he wish to do so. If no appeal is filed within five working days, the type of objectionable publication purportedly found on his work devices may be published. At the injunction hearing, Clark began proceedings by telling the court she was seeking orders extending the current interim orders prohibiting media from disclosing the nature of the allegedly objectionable material reportedly found on his work device or devices. The order was sought until further orders of the court. Clark alleged information deemed "essential" to the investigation had been leaked to the media, who were intending to publish the information. The information gathered during the police investigation was "confidential", she said. She said that every time police had provided some substantive piece of information to McSkimming, it had appeared within the media "in a day or two days without exception". Clark said there was public interest in McSkimming's situation. She said public interest had been served to date. Stewart KC said there were two sorts of harm that could be considered, one of which was harm to the police investigation. He said the police had no concern that further disclosure of the material would impact their investigation. In relation to privacy, Stewart KC said McSkimming was "quite clearly" a public figure. "There is a huge public interest in these investigations into Mr McSkimming's abrupt resignation from office, first working day after he had been provided with the material by the Public Service Commission." Stewart KC said his clients submitted that, if the interim restraint should be continued, then "matters should be left to take their course, if there is to be any restraining at all, it should be as limited as possible for as short as possible". Crown prosecutor Stephanie Bishop, appearing for police, told the court that police did not oppose the application. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
07-07-2025
- RNZ News
Review after Jevon McSkimming case finds urgent need to change police internet rules
Former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Photo: Getty Images A review commissioned amid an investigation into the former deputy police commissioner has revealed weaknesses in police's internet access controls, unmanaged devices, limited monitoring and governance gaps. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says the review made clear the current settings were "not robust enough and urgent attention is required". He has ordered the re-introduction of audits of data and internet usage on police devices and initiating an assessment of police-owned standalone devices which operated outside the police network. RNZ earlier revealed the investigation into Jevon McSkimming led to concerns that staff could bypass internal controls and "exploit vulnerabilities to access inappropriate content". The concerns prompted Chambers to order a "rapid review" of police's information security (INFOSEC) controls to ensure police had sufficiently strong controls to prevent or detect the misuse of police technology and equipment for non-work-related purposes. A summary of the review was released on Monday. The report said police managed an "extremely complex technology operating environment". "This requires a variety of different user personas to be catered for, each with different levels of security controls (and in some cases a requirement to have permissive controls)." "Additionally, the varied (and law enforcement) nature of policing may require some employees to access websites that in other corporate environments may be blocked." For several years police had been faced with a "technical debt", however steps were being taken to address this. "As with many agencies and businesses, there has been an increase of what is commonly known as Shadow IT - that is, technology purchased or used for legitimate business purposes but operated outside of the management and oversight, and often the knowledge of the ICT group." The report said police had a "wide range" of modern security technology in place which protected police information. "Most user activity is logged and monitored in accordance with good industry practice. "The review found some key issues however, which provide opportunity for improvement." The main risks were; weaknesses in technology configuration, lack of visibility over user activity and gaps in governance. The report included key findings and recommendations in relation to each of the risks. There was "inconsistent application" of internet access policies across different workgroups as well as a "lack of robust filtering mechanisms" to consistently prevent access to unauthorised websites. The review also found there was "insufficient monitoring of internet usage to detect and respond to potential security threats and inappropriate usage." Other findings included unmanaged devices being used for operational activities and inadequate monitoring of user activity and network traffic. There was an absence of centralised logging and analysis tools to detect anomalies and potential issues and "insufficient resources allocated to continuous monitoring and incident response". The review also said there was lack of "clear governance structures and accountability" for INFOSEC controls, with "inconsistent enforcement" of security policies and procedures. The report called for "improved oversight and coordination among different workgroups". Among the recommendations was that police implement consistent internet access policies across all work groups and use advanced filtering mechanisms to block unauthorised websites. It was also recommended that police enforce policies to ensure all devices were managed and monitored, and that they allocate resources to "continuous monitoring and incident response". In relation to the concerns about governance, the report recommended police established clear structures and accountability for INFOSEC controls and "ensure consistent enforcement of security policies and procedures. "Addressing these issues through the recommended actions will enhance operational security, visibility, and policy enforcement, ensuring a robust INFOSEC posture," the report said. Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says the review made clear the current settings were "not robust enough and urgent attention is required". Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone Chambers said the review found that while Police had a wide range of security measures in place, there were "opportunities to strengthen and tighten controls on their use". "The review found Police has a range of modern security controls which protect Police information and systems from malicious activity. Most user activity is logged in line with good industry practice and there is clear guidance and expectations for staff around acceptable use. "However, the review also identified several areas where improvement was needed. These include more monitoring of staff internet use and stronger filtering mechanisms to guard against inappropriate or harmful content being accessed or downloaded." The review also recommended better oversight of all Police-owned devices, including those that sit outside the Police network for legitimate work purposes, Chambers said. "Police is an extremely complex workplace and different levels of security settings will always be required by some staff for lawful policing purposes. Some staff also require devices that operate outside the central Police system. "However, the review has made it very clear the current settings are not robust enough and urgent attention is required. The report includes recommendations to strengthen the settings." Chambers said he had made two decisions immediately in wake of the review. He would be re-introducing audits of data and internet usage on police devices, a process that was halted about four to five years ago, and initiating an assessment of Police-owned standalone devices which operate outside the Police network. "While there are legitimate work reasons for such devices, clarity is needed around the oversight of them. "I have requested a remediation plan to consider the review's recommendations and address key issues. I have asked this be done quickly and expect to make further decisions within the month." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
19-06-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Police Association president criticises leaking info related to Jevon McSkimming investigation
Police Association president Chris Cahill Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver The Police Association President has criticised the leaking of information in relation to the ongoing inquiries into the former deputy commissioner of police. Jevon McSkimming resigned as the country's second most powerful cop last month amid a four-month investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police. His resignation came after Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he was recently informed of allegations of a "very serious nature", separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended. RNZ earlier revealed pornography found on McSkimming's work computer is being investigated as alleged objectionable material. He declined to comment on the allegations through his lawyer. A High Court judge earlier reserved her decision on whether the media should be allowed to report the nature of the allegedly objectionable material found. Police Association president Chris Cahill addressed leaking in his latest column in the Police News magazine. Cahill wrote that raising concerns about "serious wrongdoing" in the workplace was safeguarded under the Protected Disclosures Act. "This recognises the importance of good faith disclosures about wrongdoing, and encourages transparency, accountability and prevention of corruption." However, leaking details of an ongoing investigation was not whistleblowing, he said. "Over the nine years I have been in my role, I have watched a steady escalation in the number of leaks to media and the accompanying erosion they have caused to police's reputation. "The latest high-profile leak has me literally shaking my head. "Ignoring the media frenzy it has created, we must ask what it says about the professionalism of those in police. What protection can victims, witnesses and even suspects expect when such inappropriate disclosures come with all manner of innuendo and potentially pseudo allegations?" Cahill said that during his decades in police he had been involved in many "sensitive investigations". "I know the damage leaked material could have caused. I would have had no qualms about investigating the breach itself, and I expect this to happen in this current case. "Underlying this situation that is saturating the news, we must still abide by the right to natural justice, irrespective of whether we sympathise or empathise with an alleged offender or not." He said there was also a trend of leaking information on internal employment investigations. "This is not whistleblowing. It is the practice of the selfish saboteur, often driven by personal gain at the expense of others. "I know of bullying allegations being made to settle grievances and then leaked to media, who lap up the reports irrespective of their credibility." He acknowledged some people who leaked may have had a "legitimate grievance". "But laundering it through the media is no more acceptable than the behaviour behind the grievance itself. "These scenarios reflect poorly on the professionalism of both the media and police institutions. "Police criminal investigations - whether internal or external - should be kept as tight as a drum to protect the rights of victims, witnesses and the accused. "All Kiwis have a right to expect that this standard is preserved. Within Police, it is at the heart of its professional, integrity and empathy values." Former Deputy Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Photo: Getty Images In response to questions from RNZ, Cahill confirmed his column was spurred by the investigation into McSkimming which he said was "just an example of a wider issue of leaking". "The leaking of active investigation information paints police in a very unprofessional light. Victims, witnesses and suspects all have the right to expect their statements etc will be treated with privacy and only made public as is appropriate during the justice process. "When it comes to suspects, the very idea of innocent until proven guilty and the access to a fair trial are cornerstones of the justice system. The leaking of information can undermine this." He said if no offending was identified by an investigation, the damage to an individual's reputation could be permanent, "especially in today's world of the social media and online content sharing". "When an investigation is still in progress, I do not believe the public interest overrides the need for these privacy protections." Asked if he had expressed his concerns to police, Cahill declined to comment. In the same edition of Police News it was announced that Cahill would not be seeking re-election to his role. "I believe it is positive for an organisation to have change in leadership and while nine years has gone very quickly, it is time for someone else to bring their style and energy to the role. "I am comfortable the association is in a strong position with a positive leadership team at both board and operational levels to support the new president and continue to build on the legacy of past members." He intended to take a break before deciding on what was next for him after October, but added "I will not be looking at national politics". Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
17-06-2025
- RNZ News
What a 'rapid review' of police after Jevon McSkimming case will look at
Former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming. Photo: Getty Images An investigation into the former deputy police commissioner led to concerns that staff could bypass internal controls and "exploit vulnerabilities to access inappropriate content," documents reveal. The concerns prompted the Police Commissioner to order a "rapid review" of police's information security (INFOSEC) controls. Former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming resigned as the country's second most powerful cop last month amid a four-month investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police. His resignation came after Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he was recently informed of allegations of a "very serious nature", separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended. RNZ earlier revealed pornography found on McSkimming's work computer is being investigated as alleged objectionable material. He declined to comment on the allegations through his lawyer. A High Court judge earlier reserved her decision on whether the media should be allowed to report the nature of the allegedly objectionable material found. Do you know more? Email Police Commissioner Richard Chambers earlier announced he ordered a review on the day of McSkimming's resignation to ensure police had sufficiently strong controls to prevent or detect the misuse of police technology and equipment for non-work-related purposes. : Police Commissioner Richard Chambers Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro RNZ was released a copy of the terms of reference of the rapid review under the Official Information Act. The document said there were "clear expectations" that all users of Police IT systems and devices must do so appropriately. INFOSEC controls were configured to block visits to certain sites or online content which there was "generally no legitimate work-related reason to be accessing". "Recent concerns have arisen that INFOSEC controls applying to Police systems and devices could be bypassed by individuals who are able to exploit vulnerabilities to access inappropriate content, in breach of Police's acceptable use policy and our Code of Conduct. "Urgent reassurance is required that Police has sufficiently strong controls in place to prevent misuse of Police technology and equipment for non-work related purposes." Chambers had asked for a "rapid, independent assessment" of the strength of police's INFOSEC controls to "prevent police systems and devices being used to access inappropriate content". The document lists three objectives of the review, including assessing the strength and vulnerabilities of the current INFOSEC controls, identify opportunities for "new or enhanced controls", and providing advice on how to implement proactive scanning of police systems to detect potential misuse. The review would include desktop analysis of specific INFOSEC controls, control testing to identify potential "work arounds" or other weaknesses, and discussions with counterparts in other agencies such as the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service and Public Service Commission. "Although it has been commissioned against the backdrop of recent concerns prompted by an ongoing investigation, the rapid review will be conducted as a self-contained exercise and *will not* require the sharing of information about any specifics relating to the ongoing investigation." The review work would be independently conducted by a "suitably qualified and experienced provider". The rapid review was expected to be completed within two weeks with an expected 10-15 page report to be classified restricted, with a shorter 2-3 unclassified summary document also produced. Chambers told RNZ police's Executive Leadership Team (ELT) considered the findings of the rapid review at their meeting on Monday 16 June. "One of the decisions made by ELT was to task Police's Chief Information Officer to develop an action plan to respond to the review's findings, and to bring that back to ELT for further consideration. It is expected the action plan will be completed within the next month. "Police intend to make a summary of the review's findings publicly available once there has been an opportunity to brief key stakeholders." In announcing McSkimming's resignation, Police Minister Mark Mitchell said McSkimming resigned before he could be dismissed. He did not say what the allegations were. Mitchell said the Policing Act was "very clear". "A deputy commissioner of police must be a 'fit and proper' person. They are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct and this new information called into serious question Mr McSkimming's fitness for office. "When Mr McSkimming was invited to respond to these allegations he chose to resign. Mr McSkimming's resignation has confirmed my view that his continuation in the role was untenable."
