Chambers admits mistake in 2012 warning to officer

Newly released information confirms that Police Commissioner Richard Chambers had a complaint upheld against him while he was in charge of the Wellington region. The incident, which dates back to 2012, involved Chambers incorrectly issuing a warning to a police employee who possessed cannabis. Charges should have been brought against the officer instead.

Chambers acknowledges error

In a recent interview, Chambers admitted that his decision at the time was a mistake. He stated that he thought he was treating the officer fairly, just as any member of the public would be in a similar situation. However, he later learned that only a deputy police commissioner could authorize a pre-charge warning, not a District Commander.

Chambers undertook training on the policy after the incident and the officer subsequently resigned. This was one of six complaints lodged against him between 1998 and 2020, but the only one upheld.

In contrast, former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming faced multiple serious allegations, including sexual harassment and possession of child sexual exploitation material. He ultimately pleaded guilty to three representative charges and was sentenced to home detention.

Chambers became Police Commissioner in November 2024, but the earlier incident was not raised during his appointment process. He expressed confidence in the thoroughness of the selection panel's process but acknowledged that it was unusual for the matter not to have been mentioned.

The release of this information comes after a long battle by 1News to obtain the details through the Official Information Act. The Ombudsman's intervention ultimately led to the release of the information.