Two former police officers turned councillors in Hawke’s Bay are urging trust in the New Zealand Police badge amid the astonishing fallout from the Jevon McSkimming scandal.

Napier City councillor Keith Price and Hastings District councillor Steve Gibson say the police force as a collective deserves trust, not criticism.

In May this year, McSkimming, 52, New Zealand’s Deputy Police Commissioner since 2023, resigned after an investigation found he had used his work devices to access objectionable images.

What the public didn’t know at the time was that the images were discovered during an investigation into a sex allegation by a woman he had an affair with, beginning in 2016. He was married and 40 years old, she was 21.

An Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report released on November 11 found significant failings in the way senior police responded to serious complaints against McSkimming.

Price said it was “horrific” that high-level police officers who should have dealt with accusations of sexual offending by McSkimming, did not.

“However, in my opinion, it’s clear that Police Commissioner Richard Chambers is dealing with it,” Price said.

Price, who spent 28 years in the police force, said he trusted the system to sort it out.

“I have faith in the police,” he said.

Gibson said the police faced enormous challenges every day.

“It was important the community and elected representatives stood firmly behind them,” he said.

Gibson, who served for 24 years in both the New Zealand and Australian Police, said Hawke’s Bay was fortunate to have an outstanding Eastern District Commander in Superintendent Jeanette Park.

“I had the privilege of working alongside her in Central Districts and have always had great respect for her integrity, professionalism, and leadership.”

He acknowledged the leadership of Chambers.

“I attended a training course with Richard when he was a Senior Sergeant and even then, it was clear he was destined for high office. His leadership style, calm authority, and commitment to serving the public were evident.

“Our officers on the ground with District Commander Park and Commissioner Chambers are doing a strong job restoring public confidence and keeping our communities safe.

“They deserve our trust, not criticism.”

McSkimming pleaded guilty in Wellington District Court on November 6 to using work devices to search for child exploitation and bestiality images.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.