One of the police officers charged with possessing objectionable publications after investigations arising from a rapid review of police information security controls, has appeared in court and can be named.
Earlier this month, police announced three officers had been charged after the rapid review in the wake of the McSkimming scandal.
On Wednesday, officer Matthew Rogers appeared at the Manukau District Court facing nine charges relating to alleged offending spanning from 2023 through to 2025.
The 59-year-old’s lawyer, Todd Simmonds KC, confirmed name suppression was not sought, and asked Rogers to be remanded without plea to reappear in court at a later date.
The second officer, who faces 11 charges of possessing objectionable publications, some of which depicted child exploitation, bestiality and rape, appeared in court on Wednesday afternoon.
He was also represented by Todd Simmonds KC, who sought interim name suppression to continue.
Judge Frances Eivers granted the interim application, remanded the officer at large and without plea until a court date in August.
Another Wellington officer has had an initial appearance.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Tim Anderson previously said the decision to prosecute police employees was a “serious but important step to take”, and it reflected the seriousness of the allegations uncovered during the investigations.
Anderson said three investigations remained ongoing as part of the rapid review.
In total, police investigated 22 cases connected to the rapid review. Of those, 12 have been resolved through disciplinary action or performance management processes.
Four people have resigned during the review process.
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