A disciplinary hearing is set for a former chief constable who faces allegations of engaging in sexual activities while on duty and not revealing a relationship with another officer. Scott Chilton stepped down from his position at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary in April 2025 following accusations of two workplace relationships. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that Chilton will be subject to a gross misconduct hearing after a referral by Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner Donna Jones.
The IOPC stated, “Our investigation revealed that the ex-chief constable, who retired during the investigation, is accountable for potential breaches of police professional behavior standards regarding honesty, integrity, authority, respect, courtesy, orders, instructions, and discreditable conduct. The probe focused on allegations of two undisclosed workplace sexual relationships – one before his tenure as chief constable and the other after his appointment.”
According to the IOPC, Chilton is accused of failing to disclose a prior sexual relationship with another officer during the chief constable application process. Additional allegations include engaging in sexual activity with an officer while on duty before assuming the chief constable role, and repeatedly and dishonestly denying the relationship to senior officials from both the Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner’s office and the force.
Further claims suggest that Chilton misused his position by engaging in a sexual relationship with an officer while serving as chief constable and failing to disclose this relationship. Derrick Campbell, the IOPC director, emphasized the seriousness of allegations involving officers misusing their position for sexual purposes, stating that evidence indicates the former chief constable’s conduct may have violated police professional behavior standards.
Campbell added, “Mr. Chilton is required to face a disciplinary hearing. The police and crime commissioner will organize the proceedings, and a disciplinary panel will determine the validity of the gross misconduct allegations based on the evidence.” Hampshire’s PCC office released a statement supporting the IOPC’s findings and agreeing that former Chief Constable Scott Chilton should undergo a disciplinary hearing, with the hearing date to be scheduled in the future.
