The Government says it is taking significant steps to improve police oversight after a damning IPCA report on the handling of complaints against former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming - before his recent trial.

Instead of investigating anonymous complaints accusing McSkimming of being a sexual predator, police prosecuted the woman for digital harassment. 

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers says the watchdog report made appalling reading - and showed a clear lack of leadership and integrity at the highest level. 

Last week, McSkimming pleaded guilty to having child sexual exploitation and bestiality material on work devices

NZ Herald investigative reporter Jared Savage says the then-Commissioner, Andrew Coster, knew some details of the relationship. 

"Essentially, they've just accepted McSkimming's version of events, that this was an extra-marital affair that went wrong and this woman's out to get revenge."

LISTEN ABOVE

• Police bosses ignored sex complaints against top cop, charged woman for 'revenge' emails instead
• Ex-top cop Jevon McSkimming admits child exploitation, bestiality image offending
• Firearms Safety Authority restores vetting policy after McSkimming directive
• No charges for former top cop after sex complaint from ex-police employee