A former chief constable is set to appear before a misconduct panel following serious allegations concerning his conduct while serving as the head of a major UK police force.
The Allegations Against the Former Top Officer
Scott Chilton, who served as the chief constable for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, is accused of two primary breaches of professional standards. The first allegation is that he engaged in sexual activity while on duty. The second is that he failed to properly disclose a relationship with a fellow officer within the force.
These claims relate to two separate workplace relationships that came to light during his tenure. Chilton chose to retire from his senior position in April 2025 after the allegations emerged, stepping down from the £180,000-a-year role.
The Path to the Disciplinary Hearing
The decision to proceed with a public misconduct hearing follows an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). Despite his retirement, former officers can still be subject to disciplinary proceedings for conduct that occurred during their service.
The hearing, which will be held in public, will determine whether Chilton's actions amounted to gross misconduct. If proven, the panel has the power to recommend that he be added to the barred list, preventing him from future employment in policing.
Implications for Police Standards and Trust
This case strikes at the heart of public trust in police leadership. Senior officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. Allegations of sex while on duty and a failure to be transparent about relationships represent a significant potential breach of that trust.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary has stated that it expects all officers and staff, regardless of rank, to adhere to the strict codes of professional behaviour. The outcome of this hearing will be closely watched as a barometer for accountability at the highest levels of UK policing.
The specific date for the disciplinary hearing is yet to be formally announced, but the process is now firmly underway, marking a significant chapter in the force's recent history.
