A disciplinary hearing looms for a former chief constable following accusations of engaging in sexual activities while on duty and concealing a romantic involvement with another officer.
Scott Chilton stepped down from his leadership role at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary in April 2025 amidst claims of two workplace liaisons. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has announced that he will be subject to a gross misconduct inquiry after a referral from Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner, Donna Jones.
The IOPC revealed, “Our investigation uncovered that the ex-chief constable, who retired during the probe in April, is answerable for potential violations of police standards of professional behavior concerning: honesty and integrity; authority, respect and courtesy; orders and instructions; and discreditable conduct.”
“The investigation focused on claims regarding two undisclosed workplace sexual relationships. One occurred prior to his appointment as chief constable, while the other took place post-appointment.”
Allegations suggest that Mr. Chilton failed to reveal a prior sexual relationship with another officer during the chief constable application process. Furthermore, it is claimed that he engaged in sexual activities with an officer while on duty before assuming the chief constable role, and then denied the relationship dishonestly to senior figures within both the Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner’s office and the force.
Moreover, allegations include the assertion that he misused his position for a sexual purpose by having a sexual relationship with an officer while serving as chief constable and neglecting to disclose this connection.
IOPC director Derrick Campbell emphasized, “Any allegations of officers misusing their position for a sexual purpose are treated with utmost seriousness. Our investigation concluded with evidence suggesting that the former chief constable’s behavior might have breached police standards of professional conduct.”
“We have determined that Mr. Chilton must face a disciplinary hearing. The responsibility now lies with the PCC to arrange these proceedings where a disciplinary panel will assess, based on the evidence, the validity of the gross misconduct allegations.”
A statement from Hampshire’s PCC office stated, “The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) concurs with the IOPC investigation findings, necessitating former Chief Constable Scott Chilton to undergo a disciplinary hearing. The hearing date will be scheduled in the near future.”