A former chief constable is set to undergo a disciplinary hearing following accusations of engaging in sexual activity while on duty and not disclosing a romantic relationship with another officer.
Scott Chilton, who stepped down from his position at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary in April 2025 amid allegations of two workplace romances, will be facing a gross misconduct hearing as confirmed by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The referral to the hearing was initiated by Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner Donna Jones.
The IOPC stated, “Our investigation revealed that the former chief constable, who retired during the investigation in April, is accountable for potential violations of police standards of professional conduct concerning: honesty and integrity; authority, respect and courtesy; orders and instructions; and discreditable behavior.
“We probed allegations concerning two workplace sexual liaisons that were not disclosed. The first occurred prior to his appointment as chief constable, while the second happened post-appointment.”
The IOPC also mentioned that Mr. Chilton is accused of “not revealing a prior sexual relationship with another officer during the chief constable application process.”
Further allegations suggest that he engaged in sexual activity with an officer while on duty before becoming chief constable and then repeatedly and falsely denied the relationship to senior officials from both the Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner’s office and the force.
It is also claimed that he “misused his authority for sexual purposes by engaging in a sexual relationship with an officer while serving as chief constable and failing to disclose this relationship.”
IOPC director Derrick Campbell emphasized, “Any allegations of officers misusing their position for sexual reasons are treated with utmost seriousness. Following our investigation, we found indications that the former chief constable’s actions may have violated police standards of professional conduct.
“We have determined that Mr. Chilton should face a disciplinary hearing. The PCC will be responsible for organizing these proceedings, where a disciplinary panel will assess the evidence to establish the validity of the gross misconduct allegations.”
A statement from the office of Hampshire’s PCC stated, “The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) concurs with the IOPC investigation results, necessitating former Chief Constable Scott Chilton to face a disciplinary hearing. The hearing date will be scheduled in the near future.”