Police Association boss criticises leaking of McSkimming info

The Police Association President has criticised the leaking of information in relation to the ongoing inquiries into the former deputy commissioner of police.

Jevon McSkimming resigned as the country's second most powerful cop last month amid a four-month investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority and police.

His resignation came after Police Minister Mark Mitchell said he was recently informed of allegations of a "very serious nature", separate to the investigation that led to him being suspended.

RNZ earlier revealed pornography found on McSkimming's work computer was being investigated as alleged objectionable material.

He declined to comment on the allegations through his lawyer.

A High Court judge earlier reserved her decision on whether the media should be allowed to report the nature of the allegedly objectionable material found.

Police Association president Chris Cahill addressed leaking in his latest column in the Police News magazine.

Cahill wrote that raising concerns about "serious wrongdoing" in the workplace was safeguarded under the Protected Disclosures Act.

"This recognises the importance of good faith disclosures about wrongdoing, and encourages transparency, accountability and prevention of corruption."

However, leaking details of an ongoing investigation was not whistleblowing, he said.

"Over the nine years I have been in my role, I have watched a steady escalation in the number of leaks to media and the accompanying erosion they have caused to police's reputation.

"The latest high-profile leak has me literally shaking my head.

"Ignoring the media frenzy it has created, we must ask what it says about the professionalism of those in police. What protection can victims, witnesses and even suspects expect when such inappropriate disclosures come with all manner of innuendo and potentially pseudo allegations?"

Cahill said he had been involved in many "sensitive investigations" during his decades in police.

"I know the damage leaked material could have caused. I would have had no qualms about investigating the breach itself, and I expect this to happen in this current case.

"Underlying this situation that is saturating the news, we must still abide by the right to natural justice, irrespective of whether we sympathise or empathise with an alleged offender or not."

He said there was also a trend of leaking information on internal employment investigations.

"This is not whistleblowing. It is the practice of the selfish saboteur, often driven by personal gain at the expense of others.

"I know of bullying allegations being made to settle grievances and then leaked to media, who lap up the reports irrespective of their credibility."

He acknowledged some people who leaked may have had a "legitimate grievance".

"But laundering it through the media is no more acceptable than the behaviour behind the grievance itself.

"These scenarios reflect poorly on the professionalism of both the media and police institutions.

"Police criminal investigations — whether internal or external — should be kept as tight as a drum to protect the rights of victims, witnesses and the accused.

"All Kiwis have a right to expect that this standard is preserved. Within Police, it is at the heart of its professional, integrity and empathy values."

In response to questions from RNZ, Cahill confirmed his column was spurred by the investigation into McSkimming which he said was "just an example of a wider issue of leaking".

"The leaking of active investigation information paints police in a very unprofessional light. Victims, witnesses and suspects all have the right to expect their statements etc will be treated with privacy and only made public as is appropriate during the justice process.

"When it comes to suspects, the very idea of innocent until proven guilty and the access to a fair trial are cornerstones of the justice system. The leaking of information can undermine this."

He said the damage to an individual's reputation could be permanent if no offending was identified by an investigation, "especially in today's world of the social media and online content sharing".

"When an investigation is still in progress, I do not believe the public interest overrides the need for these privacy protections."

Asked if he had expressed his concerns to police, Cahill declined to comment.

In the same edition of Police News, it was announced that Cahill would not be seeking re-election to his role.

"I believe it is positive for an organisation to have change in leadership and while nine years has gone very quickly, it is time for someone else to bring their style and energy to the role.

"I am comfortable the association is in a strong position with a positive leadership team at both board and operational levels to support the new president and continue to build on the legacy of past members."

He said he intended to take a break before deciding on what was next for him after October, but added "I will not be looking at national politics".

rnz.co.nz