Two members of the police’s senior leadership team, including former deputy police commissioner Tania Kura, visited Jevon McSkimming while he faced charges of possessing child sexual exploitation and bestiality material.
McSkimming pleaded guilty earlier this month.
A report by the IndependentPolice Conduct Authority released last week found serious misconduct at the highest levels, including Kura, in relation to how police responded to separate allegations of sexual offending by McSkimming.
Speaking at a press conference in the Beehive after the report was released, Police Commissioner Richard Chambers alluded to a meeting he had with Kura when he became aware that she had visited McSkimming while he was facing the objectionable material charges.
“When I found out about that from concerned colleagues, I asked Tania Kura for an explanation and I expressed my disappointment in her,” Chambers said.
“To me, it showed a total lack of judgment and very bad decision-making. It was inappropriate for an executive member and a statutory deputy commissioner.”
Asked what Kura’s response was, Chambers said “she seemed surprised that I saw it as a problem”.
In response, Chambers said he was aware another member of the “wider senior leadership team” visited McSkimming with Kura.
“I did speak to that person and expressed my disappointment at the decision making and lack of judgment.
“Mr McSkimming also had regular contact with a member of my leadership team appointed by me as a welfare point of contact, as is the usual process with Police.
“That was in an official capacity and was appropriate. That person did not visit his home and did not meet with him in person after charges had been laid.”
