Chief constable retires with immediate effect amid potential misconduct inquiry

Police and crime commissioner (PCC) Donna Jones confirmed she has accepted Scott Chilton’s decision to retire which follows two mandatory referrals to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The first referral was made by the PCC on February 27, the second on March 31. She was advised that, as part of its ongoing investigation, the IOPC has served Mr Chilton with a notice that he is under investigation for potential gross misconduct.

In a statement issued on Monday (April 7), IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: “This morning we notified the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Scott Chilton, that he is under investigation for potential gross misconduct.

“This follows indications that he may have potentially breached police standards of professional behaviour relating to honesty and integrity; duties and responsibilities; discreditable conduct; and orders and instructions.

“Our investigation, which involves allegations that he failed to disclose a conflict of interest relating to a workplace relationship before he was chief constable, began following a conduct referral from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight PCC on February 27.

“It was widened to include a further allegation, involving failing to disclose a conflict of interest relating to a further workplace relationship after becoming chief constable, following a second conduct referral from the PCC’s office on March 31.

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

“The serving of a gross misconduct notice does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will necessarily follow. At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether Mr Chilton should face disciplinary proceedings. No criminal offences have currently been identified as part of our ongoing investigation.”

Ms Jones said: “The chief constable has retired after 33 years of service.

“The IOPC investigation will continue notwithstanding his retirement.

“As commissioner, I will now start the process to recruit a new chief constable. In the interim period I have appointed Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya as acting chief constable to continue leading the force to deliver the best possible service to the public.”

Ms de Reya said: “We are here, first and foremost, to deliver exceptional policing for our communities, putting victims first and bringing offenders to justice.

“This will continue to be our focus, to keep people safe and make sure they feel safe across our two counties.”

The force said it will not be making any further comment while the investigation is ongoing.

Mr Chilton has worked in policing for nearly 33 years. He joined Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary in 1992 where he worked his way up to assistant chief constable before becoming deputy chief constable and then chief constable of Dorset Police. He returned to Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary in 2023 to take the role as chief.