Police Minister Mark Mitchell says the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jevon McSkimming, has resigned.

McSkimming has been suspended from the role since last December.

Deputy Commissioners of Police are appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

Mitchell says McSkimming resigned today, May 12, with immediate effect, before he could be dismissed.

“I can confirm a process had been under way for the Prime Minister to consider recommending the Governor-General immediately remove the Deputy Commissioner of Police from office,” Mitchell says.

“I instructed the Public Service Commission to commence the process to remove Mr McSkimming from office after allegations of a very serious nature recently came to light, separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended.

“The Policing Act is very clear: A Deputy Commissioner of Police must be a ‘fit and proper’ person.

“They are rightly held to the highest standards of conduct and this new information called into serious question Mr McSkimming’s fitness for office.

“When Mr McSkimming was invited to respond to these allegations he chose to resign.

“Mr McSkimming’s resignation has confirmed my view his continuation in the role was untenable.”

Mitchell says police advise their investigations into McSkimming will continue, notwithstanding his resignation.

“As the latest information remains subject to ongoing police investigation, I am unable to provide further comment at this time.”

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers confirms he’s been advised of McSkimming’s resignation from his position with New Zealand Police.

“The criminal investigation will continue and is not affected by the resignation.

“I have no further comment at this stage.”