Hampshire & Isle Of Wight Chief Constable Retires Amidst Gross Misconduct Investigation

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has accepted Scott Chilton’s intention to retire as Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary Chief Constable.

The announcement comes while Mr Chilton is under investigation for potential gross misconduct.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is looking into allegations that the departing Constable failed to disclose a conflict of interest relating to a previous relationship.

The Commissioner has accepted his retirement with immediate effect.

Scott Chilton worked in policing for nearly 33 years.

He joined Hampshire & 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 & Isle of Wight Constabulary in 2023 to take the role as Chief.

The Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones has today accepted his retirement with immediate effect which follows two mandatory referrals to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The first referral was made by the Commissioner on February 27, the second on March 31. 

The Commissioner was advised that, as part of its ongoing investigation, the IOPC this morning served Scott Chilton with a notice that he is under investigation for potential gross misconduct.

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna 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.”