Story by Mike Bain/The Daily Examiner.

Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming resigned before he could be dismissed, following recent allegations of ‘a very serious nature’.

Police Minister Mark Mitchell on Monday announced the resignation of Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jevon McSkimming, who had been on suspension since December.

His resignation comes amid serious allegations and ongoing investigations.

McSkimming, who was appointed Deputy Commissioner by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, resigned with immediate effect before he could be formally dismissed.

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

The Minister revealed that he had instructed the Public Service Commission to begin the process of removing McSkimming from office after new allegations of a serious nature surfaced—separate from the investigation that led to his initial suspension.

“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,”  Mitchell stated.

McSkimming’s resignation follows months of scrutiny.

Reports indicate that he had been under investigation for alleged inappropriate conduct with a junior staff member.

Additionally, he had been one of the finalists for the Police Commissioner role before Richard Chambers was appointed.

Political reactions to the resignation have been measured. Police Minister Mark Mitchell has refrained from commenting further due to the ongoing investigations.

The Labour Party has stated that neither leader Chris Hipkins nor former Police Minister Ginny Anderson had prior knowledge of the issues surrounding McSkimming.

Despite his resignation, police investigations into McSkimming will continue. “As the latest information remains subject to ongoing Police investigation, I am unable to provide further comment at this time, ”Mitchell concluded.

McSkimming, who joined the police force in 1996, had previously overseen major projects, including emergency services communication improvements and police vehicle transitions.

His career trajectory had positioned him as a strong candidate for leadership, but recent developments have cast a shadow over his tenure.