Former chief constable guilty of gross misconduct over workplace sexual relationships

A police disciplinary panel has found gross misconduct proven against former Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary Chief Constable Scott Chilton, who retired in April 2025 while the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) was investigating allegations relating to two sexual relationships in the workplace.

Mr Chilton was found to have breached the police standards of professional behaviour relating to honesty and integrity, orders and instructions, discreditable conduct, and authority, respect and courtesy.

One of the sexual relationships took place between 2008-2012, while Mr Chilton was holding chief inspector or superintendent rank, and involved a more junior officer where, on occasion, they had sex on duty.

He failed to declare the relationship during the application process for the chief constable position and later was dishonest by repeatedly denying the relationship when asked on several occasions by the police and crime commissioner (PCC), the PCC’s chief executive, and his deputy chief constable.

Mr Chilton also attempted to avoid a referral to the IOPC regarding this relationship in early 2025.

Mr Chilton abused his position for a sexual purpose by pursuing a sexual relationship with a junior officer shortly after he became chief constable in 2023. He repeatedly failed to disclose this relationship, in breach of local and national policies, and also pressured the woman to “delete her messages” and keep their relationship secret.

The panel determined that Mr Chilton’s conduct amounted to gross misconduct. The panel found he would have been dismissed if he was still a serving officer for all four allegations. As a result he will be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list for a minimum of five years.

Concerns regarding the former chief constable were referred to the IOPC by the PCC Donna Jones in February 2025 and April 2025.

IOPC Director of Engagement Derrick Campbell said: “As the chief constable leading Hampshire and Isle of Wight, Scott Chilton was expected to act with the utmost honesty and integrity.

“By failing to declare these sexual relationships in the workplace, in breach of policy, he acted dishonestly and then repeatedly lied, when questioned, by denying one of the relationships.

“His actions show a clear lack of integrity and he abused his senior position for a sexual purpose by pursuing a relationship with a junior colleague. He also pressured one of the woman to delete her messages from him. I want to acknowledge their courage in speaking out in what must have been difficult circumstances given Mr Chilton’s seniority.

“He has let down his policing colleagues and his actions have damaged not only the public’s confidence in the force, but confidence in police leaders to behave with honesty and integrity.

“Cases like this unfortunately highlight that there is clearly more work needed to ensure consistent high standards of leadership across police forces and the IOPC welcomes and supports the work of the Police Leadership Commission, which has the potential to deliver lasting change to police leadership.”

Ms Jones said: “These are serious findings concerning a person who occupied the most senior position in the constabulary.

“The public rightly expects the highest standards from everyone who serves in policing. Those entrusted with leadership have a particular responsibility to uphold and demonstrate the highest professional standards.

“I would like to thank my office for ensuring that we secured a successful prosecution, and the misconduct panel for helping to bring this period of uncertainty to a close.

“My focus has always been on ensuring people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight receive the effective, accountable policing service they deserve.

“That remains my focus now. I will continue hold the chief constable to account for delivering the best service to the public and upholding the very highest standards.”

In a statement issued at the beginning of misconduct proceedings, Mr Chilton sad: “The matters being heard this week relate to historic relationships between consenting adults, one which I accept and another which I do not. I fully accept that my actions in not disclosing that relationship fell short of the standards that police officers are judged by.

“These were personal matters, rather than issues affecting policing or public safety, and at no point did this relationship influence policing decisions, operational matters, or the discharge of professional responsibilities. I strongly dispute some of the issues raised by this investigation, but resolution was required.

“However, I regret the embarrassment and distraction this has caused. I left my role voluntarily 18 months ago because it felt right to do so in the circumstances. My deepest regret is to my family for the hurt caused by my poor judgement and actions. I take full responsibility for my decisions.

“Public confidence in policing depends on accountability, and independent scrutiny of police conduct is an important part of maintaining trust. While there will always be legitimate debate about proportionality, I made admissions 18 months ago, and yet the protracted length of this investigation presents questions about whether the process was fair, necessary and proportionate to everyone involved, notwithstanding the heavy financial cost to the public.

“Having been a police officer for 33 years, I was incredibly proud to lead the men and women who tirelessly give their all to keep people safe and ensure justice is done. I thank them all for their dedication. Having acknowledged my mistakes and accepted the consequences, I am now focused on moving forward.”

The full determination of the misconduct panel will be published on the Office of the PCC’s website within ten working days.