Officer accused of possessing objectionable publications to keep name secret for now

A Wellington-based police officer charged with allegedly possessing objectionable publications will keep his identity secret for now.

A rapid review of staff internet usage was sparked by the resignation of former deputy commissioner Jevon McSkimming, after child sexual exploitation and bestiality material were found on his work devices.

Deputy Commissioner Tim Anderson earlier said police were moving to prosecute three staff members following separate investigations arising from the review.

On Thursday, a Wellington-based police officer appeared in the Wellington District Court for the first time before Judge Ian Carter.

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The officer, aged in his 50s, faces 10 charges of possessing an objectionable publication between January 2024 and January 2025.

The officer's lawyer, Letizea Ord, requested that interim name suppression continue for the officer as well as a remand without plea.

Judge Carter granted continued interim name suppression for the officer.

He would appear in court again next month.

RNZ earlier revealed one of the officers, a man in his 60s, faces 11 charges of possessing an objectionable publication. The charges date between May 2023 and May 2024.

One of the charges alleges the officer had a "rape image", two charges say "child exploitation material", three charges say "child sexual exploitation" and five charges allege the officer possessed "bestiality" material.

The other Auckland-based police officer, a man in his 50s, is facing nine charges of possessing an objectionable publication.

The charges allege the offending occurred between August 2023 and October 2025. The charges carry a maximum sentence of 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of $50,000.

Both officers have interim name suppression.

Anderson earlier said each of the officers were being charged with multiple counts of possessing an objectionable publication, under the Films, Videos, and Publications Classification Act.

"Prosecution of our own staff is a serious but important step to take as it recognises the significance of the alleged offending that has been identified.

"I would like to acknowledge the professionalism and commitment by our investigators in the National Integrity Unit for their work to this point."

Anderson said the investigations had involved the analysis of a "significant volume of web activity".

"It is important we now let these matters progress to the court process, which limits the level of information we can provide at this point.

"These three police staff remain stood down from duties. Meanwhile, three investigations remain ongoing as part of the rapid review."

Police have investigated 22 cases, 12 have been resolved through either disciplinary action or performance management.

Four people have resigned during this process, Anderson said.