Ex-police officer seeks no conviction for objectionable publications
A former police officer who pleaded guilty to possessing objectionable publications is seeking a discharge without conviction. His defense argues that the scale of his offense is minor compared to other recent police scandals and that a conviction would unfairly impact his future employment.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing issues regarding misconduct within police forces and the legal standards for sentencing public officials.
A police officer of nearly four decades, who pleaded guilty to possessing objectionable publications, is seeking to be discharged without conviction. <b>By Lucy Xia of </b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/crime-and-justice/1860899/ex-police-officer-matthew-rogers-seeks-no-conviction-for-possessing-objectionable-publications"><b>RNZ</b></a> Auckland-based officer Matthew Rogers was one of three police staff to be charged following the rapid review carried out by police in October 2025. The review was sparked by the resignation of former Deputy Police Commissioner Jevon McSkimming, after child sexual exploitation and bestiality material were found on his work devices. Court documents revealed that between August 2023 and October 2025, Rogers used a police-issued device to conduct searches for pornographic and sexualised material. Searches included "nude teen", and there were nine images he'd viewed that matched what was previously categorised as Category 2B Child Sexual Abuse Material.
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