Scott Chilton accused of sexual relationships with colleagues, including one while on duty
The former chief constable of Hampshire Police, Scott Chilton, is set to face a gross misconduct hearing over allegations that he engaged in sexual relationships with colleagues, including one encounter while on duty.
Mr Chilton resigned from the force in April while under investigation, following claims that he failed to disclose two workplace relationships and repeatedly lied about them. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed that he has a case to answer for potential breaches of police standards relating to honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy, orders and instructions, and discreditable conduct.
The allegations include one sexual relationship with a sergeant while Mr Chilton was a senior officer, prior to his appointment as chief constable, and a second relationship after he assumed the top post in February 2023.
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The investigation was triggered when a former senior detective alleged during a misconduct hearing that Mr Chilton had been “having an affair” while in office. The IOPC’s findings indicate that Mr Chilton lied about his relationships when questioned, and that one of the encounters took place while he was on duty.
Investigation and Response
Derrick Campbell, director of the IOPC, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations. “Any allegations involving officers abusing their position for a sexual purpose are taken extremely seriously,” he said. “At the end of our investigation, we found evidence indicating that the former chief constable’s conduct may have breached the police standards of professional behaviour. We have therefore decided that Mr Chilton should face a disciplinary hearing.”
The Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s office confirmed that it has agreed to arrange the disciplinary proceedings. “A date for the hearing will be scheduled in due course,” a spokesperson said. “The disciplinary panel will then determine, based on the evidence, whether the gross misconduct allegations are proven.”
Career Background
Mr Chilton, a former detective, joined the police at 18 and served in a senior leadership role in Dorset before returning to Hampshire as chief constable in 2023. His appointment followed a two-year tenure in Dorset, where he was chief constable from August 2021.
The case has drawn attention to issues of professional conduct at the highest levels of policing, raising questions about oversight, accountability, and the safeguarding of workplace ethics.
The disciplinary hearing, when convened, will determine whether Mr Chilton’s actions constitute gross misconduct and what further measures, if any, are appropriate.
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