Police Chief Seeks to Strip McSkimming of His Medals

In an internal memo sent to staff early Sunday, Chambers said he had taken steps to revoke McSkimming's Long Service and Conduct Medal and all clasps attached to it.

He also requested the return of all items of police uniform McSkimming possessed.

"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 52-year-old McSkimming pleaded guilty in the Wellington District Court on Thursday to three representative charges of possessing objectionable publications, namely child sexual abuse and bestiality material, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the publication was objectionable.

He was initially charged with eight counts.

McSkimming resigned in May after the material was discovered at his workplace. At the time, he was the second-most senior police officer in the country and was suspended until December 2024 during an investigation into a separate matter.

Chambers acknowledged in his memo that some current and former employees had expressed discomfort with receiving certificates or awards signed by McSkimming, and said he would be happy to reissue those documents in their 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 position of Police Commissioner last year, and Chambers was ultimately appointed.

He was promoted to the position of Statutory Deputy Commissioner in 2023, following the recommendation of then-Prime Minister Chris Hipkins.

McSkimming joined the police in 1996 and worked on the front lines in Auckland and Southland.