Police Commissioner Richard Chambers Demands 60-Day Resolution for Employment Cases Amid Senior Officer Probe

Key facts

• A senior police officer is under employment investigation following a complaint made last year by a female staff member.
• The complaint does not involve sexual misconduct or criminal offending.
• The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) received the case on 15 May 2025 and is overseeing the investigation.
• Police Commissioner Richard Chambers set an expectation in 2024 that employment matters be resolved within 60 days.
• Disgraced former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming repaid $500 for taxpayer-funded hotel stays during an affair.
• Chambers wrote to McSkimming on 4 March 2025 demanding repayment, followed by a second letter threatening other options.
• McSkimming had until 8 May 2025 to pay; the $500 figure was calculated by McSkimming himself.
• Chambers stated the matter is now closed after receiving the reimbursement.

Commissioner’s Timeliness Target Under Spotlight

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is enforcing a new internal benchmark that employment investigations should conclude within 60 days, even as a senior officer’s case lingers nearly a year after a complaint was lodged. Chambers acknowledged that while some matters may require longer, the default expectation is prompt resolution. He said the absence of previous timeliness targets had allowed cases to drag unnecessarily, causing significant impact on all involved.

Senior Officer Investigation: Complaint from Female Staff Member

A senior police officer is the subject of an employment investigation triggered by a complaint made last year. The complainant is a female staff member, and the allegations do not involve sexual misconduct or criminal offending, according to sources familiar with the case. The Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) confirmed it received the case on 15 May 2025 and is providing oversight as police progress the internal inquiry.

IPCA Oversight and Police Silence on Details

An IPCA spokesperson stated the authority is overseeing the matter, which is still being progressed by police. A police spokesperson confirmed the investigation is under way but declined to provide further details, citing the ongoing internal process. Commissioner Chambers said he was not aware of the specifics of the senior staffer’s case, noting that his role does not involve direct oversight of individual employment matters.

McSkimming Repayment: $500 Reimbursed After Two Letters

Disgraced former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming has repaid $500 for taxpayer-funded hotel stays during his affair, following persistent demands from Chambers. Chambers sent an initial letter on 4 March 2025 requesting repayment, and a second letter after receiving no response. In the second letter, Chambers expressed disappointment at the lack of reply and warned he would consider other options to secure reimbursement. McSkimming had until 8 May to pay; the $500 figure was calculated by McSkimming himself.

Policy on Sensitive Expenditure and Public Trust

Chambers stated that New Zealand Police policy requires sensitive expenditure to be reasonable and able to withstand parliamentary and public scrutiny. He emphasised that unless there are exceptional work-related circumstances, staff should not require hotel accommodation in the same centre as their normal residence and place of work. The repayment, Chambers said, is important to reassure police staff that standards are being adhered to and to maintain public trust.

Background: IPCA Investigation into McSkimming’s Conduct

The repayment request stemmed from an IPCA investigation that found McSkimming had invited a woman, referred to as Ms Z, to stay with him in police-funded hotel accommodation on numerous occasions, primarily in 2016. The IPCA released a summary of its findings earlier this year, prompting Chambers to seek reimbursement. Chambers noted that the $500 contribution, while not covering the full cost, was accepted as a resolution, and he now considers the matter closed.

Outlook: Enforcement of Timeliness Standards

Chambers’ push for 60-day resolution of employment matters signals a shift toward greater accountability within the police force. The ongoing senior officer investigation will test whether this target can be met, especially given the IPCA’s oversight role. The commissioner’s handling of the McSkimming case demonstrates a willingness to pursue reimbursement and enforce policy breaches, setting a precedent for future conduct.

The bottom line

• Police Commissioner Richard Chambers has set a 60-day target for resolving employment investigations, citing concerns about delays.
• A senior police officer is under investigation over a complaint from a female staff member, with IPCA oversight since May 2025.
• Former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming repaid $500 for hotel stays during an affair after two formal letters from Chambers.
• Chambers considers the McSkimming repayment matter closed, but the case highlights enforcement of sensitive expenditure policies.
• The IPCA is overseeing both the senior officer investigation and the McSkimming repayment, ensuring external accountability.