A disciplinary hearing awaits a former chief constable due to accusations of engaging in sexual activities while on duty and concealing a relationship with another officer.
Scott Chilton stepped down from his position at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary in April 2025 amidst claims of two workplace romances. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that he will face a gross misconduct hearing following a referral by Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner Donna Jones.
According to a statement released by the IOPC, their investigation revealed that the ex-chief constable, who retired during the probe in April, is under scrutiny for potential breaches of police standards of professional behavior concerning honesty, integrity, authority, respect, courtesy, orders, instructions, and discreditable conduct.
The IOPC disclosed that the allegations revolve around two undisclosed workplace relationships, one predating Chilton’s appointment as chief constable and the other occurring post-appointment.
The investigation also alleges that Chilton did not reveal a past intimate relationship with another officer during the chief constable application process. Furthermore, accusations include engaging in sexual activities while on duty before assuming the chief constable role and repeatedly and falsely denying the relationship while in office to key figures from both the Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner’s office and the force.
Additionally, it is claimed that Chilton exploited his position for sexual reasons by engaging in a relationship with an officer while serving as chief constable and failing to disclose this connection.
Director Derrick Campbell of the IOPC emphasized the gravity of allegations involving officers misusing their authority for sexual purposes, stressing the seriousness with which such claims are handled. Following their investigation, the decision was made for Chilton to face a disciplinary hearing, which will be overseen by the PCC to ascertain the validity of the gross misconduct allegations based on evidence.
A statement from Hampshire’s PCC office acknowledged the IOPC’s findings, concurring that former Chief Constable Scott Chilton must undergo a disciplinary hearing, with the hearing date to be scheduled in the near future.