Police Commissioner investigation: Who knew what, and when?

Police are refusing to say how long an investigation into the country's top cop has been going on for.

On Thursday, RNZ revealed an investigation was underway in relation to complaints about Police Commissioner Richard Chambers.

RNZ approached Police and Police Minister Mark Mitchell's office for comment last week on concerns that had been raised about the Commissioner.

Then, on Thursday a 35-word statement landed from Deputy Police Commissioner Mike Pannett.

"Complaints relating to Commissioner Chambers are being investigated by the IPCA [Independent Police Conduct Authority] and Police. These are being managed in accordance with proper processes including oversight by the IPCA. There is no further comment at this stage."

Then, minutes later came a statement from the Commissioner himself.

He said he had been advised that the IPCA and Police were investigating complaints against him.

"I strongly reject the claims that have been made."

He said he would cooperate fully with the investigation and looked forward to having the matter dealt with.

"I acknowledge the public interest in this, but it is important the investigation takes its course. I cannot make further comment at this point."

In a note to staff sent about the same time Chambers reiterated he strongly rejected the claims.

"It is important to let that investigation take its course without any interference. That is what anyone would expect, including myself.

"I am advised it is not necessary for me to take leave at this point. I will continue to turn up to work and do my job."

As Chambers continues in his role, several questions remain unanswered.

Who knew what? And when?

In a statement to RNZ on Thursday Mitchell said he was "aware that complaints have been received about the Police Commissioner".

"They are now being investigated by police and the IPCA. I have no further comment at this time."

In an Official Information Act (OIA) received by RNZ, Mitchell said he had received two complaints related to Chambers.

"The first on 21 November 2025 and the second on 1 February 2026. These complaints were both referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority and the Police National Integrity Unit (NIU)."

RNZ asked Police when the investigation began, and why it was still ongoing in June, on Thursday evening. They said at this time they have "nothing further to add".

RNZ also asked the commissioner's office when he was notified, and if he was frustrated it had taken so long for it to be investigated, given the IPCA and NIU had been aware for several months.

A spokesperson said he was unable to say anything further at this time.

Chambers earlier told RNZ he had expressed concerns about matters involving employees taking too long to investigate.

He said that last year he set an expectation that employment matters should be resolved within 60 days and criminal matters involving staff slightly longer.

"While some issues might require a longer time frame, it should still be completed as promptly as possible.

"As far as I am aware NZ Police has not set timeliness targets for this in the past, but I was concerned many of the matters we deal with were taking too long, and unnecessarily so. That has a significant impact on all of those involved."

What are the allegations?

RNZ understands the allegations relate to alleged conduct towards women. It's understood the allegations have not been substantiated at this time.

RNZ also understands that as part of the investigation staff from the National Integrity Unit visited one of the complainants in Australia. This allegation is believed to be historical.

Approached on the nature of the allegations, a spokesperson for the IPCA said "we will not be making any comment about the substance of these complaints until the investigations are concluded".

In a statement the IPCA confirmed it had received complaints which concern Chambers.

"These are being investigated by the IPCA and Police. We are actively overseeing the Police component of the investigation; this includes ensuring the integrity of the investigation is maintained.

"We recognise that there is a high level of public interest in complaints which involve senior police officers. It is important that these complaints are appropriately assessed and follow normal complaint processes."

The spokesperson said that "in accordance with the principles of fair process and natural justice for the parties involved, we will not be making any comment about the substance of these complaints until the investigations are concluded".

What happens now?

Chambers has said he will remain working in his role while the investigation continues.

RNZ asked the Public Service Commission for comment on whether he had been stood down, and if it was appropriate Chambers remain in his role while the investigation was ongoing.

It said, "Based on the information available, the Commissioner does not consider that is required at this time."

Police under scrutiny

The revelations follow a troubling year for Police in the wake of Jevon McSkimming's resignation after child sexual exploitation and bestiality material was found on his work devices.

Then, in November the IPCA released a scathing report into Police's handling of allegations made about McSkimming, finding serious misconduct at the highest levels of Police - including former Commissioner Andrew Coster.

After the IPCA report was released, Chambers said the findings showed "inexcusable conduct by former senior leaders of NZ Police".

"The events and findings set out in the IPCA report made for appalling reading and showed a total lack of leadership and integrity at the highest levels of police.

"I was shocked by the report's account of departures in 2023 and 2024 from the expected processes for dealing both with sexual assault complaints and with investigations into police officers."

He said the events in the report were a "kick in the guts for the 15,000 women and men of NZ Police who turn up to work every day and night to serve New Zealanders and keep them safe".

"That has angered me. It was not those staff who were found wanting here. It was a failing of leadership.

"The actions and attitudes set out in the report are inexcusable and show a disrespect and disregard for what NZ Police stands for."

A rise through the ranks

Chambers became commissioner of Police in November 2024, taking over from Coster.

Speaking at the time Chambers said the appointment was one of the "highest honours of my life".

Chambers joined the police in 1996 as a constable in Avondale and quickly rose through the ranks.

Having been promoted to detective and then inspector, Chambers was appointed the area commander for Lower Hutt in 2007. After that, he held top roles in the Tasman and Southern districts and then Auckland City.

Chambers was promoted to assistant commissioner in 2016, leading investigations into serious and organised crime, and financial crime. He also played a key role during the Covid-19 pandemic, tasked with co-leading the police response.