Former top cop Andrew Coster criticised in IPCA report on McSkimming case

An investigation into police handling of complaints against former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming was critical of the actions of former Commissioner Andrew Coster, RNZ understands.

McSkimming resigned as the country's second most powerful cop in May amid separate investigations by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police.

The 52-year-old was later arrested and is facing eight charges of possessing objectionable publications, including child sexual exploitation and bestiality material over a four-year period.

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The Independent Police Conduct Authority earlier announced it was investigating allegations of misconduct by McSkimming following a complaint from a member of the public.

"This comprises oversight of a police investigation into whether there has been any criminal wrongdoing by Mr McSkimming and a review of whether there has been any related non-criminal misconduct."

It was also conducting an investigation into if there was misconduct or neglect of duty by any other police officers or employee in the course of responding to the allegations.

Several high-ranking members of police are believed to have been interviewed as part of the investigation.

RNZ earlier revealed the final report was shown to a group of people on 24 October.

It is understood the final report was critical of Coster in terms of his action and inaction in response to allegations about McSkimming.

RNZ earlier asked Coster, who is now the chief executive of the Social Investment Agency (SIA) for comment on the criticisms in the days after the final report was shown to a group of people.

A SIA spokesperson said that as the report was not released publicly it was "inappropriate for Mr Coster to comment at this time".

"The IPCA has stated that there is no public release at this time due to ongoing Court matters."

RNZ also asked the Public Service Commissioner's office for comment.

A spokesperson said the commissioner had a copy of the report, and was not making any comment.

IPCA investigations manager Stu Graham also declined to comment..

The IPCA earlier confirmed it had completed its investigation into police handling of complaints against McSkimming. Other aspects of its investigation were ongoing.

The IPCA were releasing its report "in confidence to a very limited audience".

"There is no public release at this time due to ongoing Court matters.

"We will not make any further comment"

In September, RNZ asked the IPCA for comment on draft findings that had been circulated.

Graham said at the time the authority had not at that time made any findings.

"Whatever currently exists is in draft form for the benefit of any officer who may wish to make submissions.

"In our view it would be inappropriate for you to publish anything relating to any such draft at this stage and indeed would be unfairly prejudicial to all officers concerned."

In November last year McSkimming was placed on "special leave" as the IPCA investigated an allegation of sexual misconduct from a former non-sworn female police employee. The following month police began a criminal investigation into that allegation.

RNZ understands it was during police's investigation that the alleged objectionable material was found on his work devices.

A second criminal investigation was then launched which led to McSkimming resigning in May and later being arrested on eight representative charges of possessing objectionable publications, namely child sexual exploitation and bestiality material knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the publication is objectionable.

Police earlier said McSkimming would not be charged in relation to the sexual misconduct allegations.

Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson said the investigation concluded that the evidential test for prosecution had not been met.

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