Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has initiated steps to strip disgraced former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming of his medals days after he pleaded guilty to possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material.
In an internal memo sent to staff early on Sunday, Chambers said he had initiated steps to rescind McSkimming’s Long Service and Good Conduct medal, along with any associated clasps.
He has also requested the return of any police uniform items still in McSkimming’s possession.
“I have signed out on a paper to recommend to the Minister of Police that he rescind the Long Service and Conduct medal and clasps awarded to former Deputy Commissioner Mr Jevon McSkimming,” Chambers wrote.
The move comes after McSkimming, 52, pleaded guilty in the Wellington District Court on Thursday to three representative charges of possessing objectionable publications, namely child sexual exploitation and bestiality material knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the publication is objectionable.
He was initially charged with eight counts.
Police Commissioner says more officers have accessed inappropriate material (Source: 1News)
McSkimming resigned in May after the material was discovered on his work devices. At the time, he was the country’s second most senior police officer and had been suspended since December 2024 while under investigation for a separate matter.
Chambers acknowledged in his memo some current and former staff had expressed discomfort over receiving certificates or awards signed by McSkimming, and said he was happy to reissue those documents under his own name.
“If any staff would like to have me reissue documentation, please email directly,” he wrote.
McSkimming was one of the final two candidates for the role of police commissioner last year, with Chambers eventually appointed.
He was promoted to statutory deputy commissioner in 2023 on the recommendation of then-prime minister Chris Hipkins.
McSkimming joined the police in 1996 and worked on the frontline in Auckland and Southland.
