The Police Commissioner says senior leaders should never get involved in investigations like those against Jevon McSkimming

The former Deputy Police Commissioner is awaiting sentence after pleading guilty to having child sexual exploitation and bestiality material on his work devices.

A watchdog report finds some of the nation's highest ranking officers ignored a young woman's anonymous complaints against McSkimming and prosecuted her for harassment.

Gagging orders were put in place to ostensibly protect the reputation of McSkimming - who was a top candidate to replace outgoing Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.

Commissioner Richard Chambers says the appalling interference was clear for all to see.

He says the high-ranking officers were acting in self-interest to protect an individual bidding to be Commissioner for Police.