Hampshire police chief constable retires amid misconduct inquiry

The chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has retired after it was confirmed he was being investigated for two alleged workplace relationships.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) notified Scott Chilton on Monday morning he was under investigation for potential gross misconduct in relation to a relationship from before he was chief constable, and another after taking the force’s top job.

A spokesman for the watchdog said Mr Chilton had retired from the force, but added the inquiry would continue regardless.

Mr Chilton had also been the national lead for chief constables for both investigations and tactics, training and equipment.

IOPC director Derrick Campbell said there were “indications that [Mr Chilton] may have potentially breached police standards of professional behaviour relating to honesty and integrity; duties and responsibilities; discreditable conduct; and orders and instructions”.

He said the investigation began after a referral from Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones on 27 February, which was followed by a second on 31 March.

“We understand that the chief constable has today retired from the force with immediate effect. This will not impact our investigation, which remains ongoing, Mr Campbell added.

No criminal offences had been identified during the investigation, he said.

Following the revelation of the first allegation, Ms Jones voiced her support for Mr Chilton.

In a statement released following the latest development, she confirmed the chief constable’s retirement and said Deputy Chief Constable Sam De Reya would hold the position whilst a new one was recruited.

Mr Chilton began his career with the Hampshire force in 1992, becoming assistant chief constable before leaving to take up the role of deputy chief constable for Dorset Police.

He became chief constable of Dorset Police before taking on the same role in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in February 2023.