Ex-police chief faces misconduct hearing over on-duty sex claims

Scott Chilton Faces Disciplinary Hearing for Misconduct

A former police chief is accused of having sex with another officer while on duty.

Scott Chilton, the former chief constable of Hampshire Police, will face a disciplinary hearing over allegations including failing to disclose a relationship with another officer.

Chilton retired from his role at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary in April 2025, after allegations of two workplace relationships emerged.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) stated he will face a gross misconduct hearing after a referral by Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner, Donna Jones.

Allegations Against Scott Chilton

The IOPC said in a statement: ‘Our investigation found that the former chief constable, who retired while under investigation in April, has a case to answer for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour relating to: honesty and integrity; authority, respect and courtesy; orders and instructions; and discreditable conduct.’

‘We investigated allegations relating to two sexual relationships in the workplace that he failed to disclose. The first was before he became chief constable and the second was after his appointment.’

The IOPC also stated that Mr. Chilton is alleged to have ‘failed to disclose a previous sexual relationship with another officer during the application process to become chief constable.’

Details of the Allegations

Other allegations include that he ‘had sex with an officer while on duty before becoming chief constable’ and he ‘repeatedly and dishonestly denied the relationship while he was chief constable to senior figures from both the Hampshire and Isle of Wight police and crime commissioner’s (PCC) office and the force.’

It is also alleged that he ‘abused his position for a sexual purpose having a sexual relationship with an officer while chief constable and failed to declare this relationship.’

IOPC Statement

IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: ‘Any allegations involving officers abusing their position for a sexual purpose are taken extremely seriously.’

‘At the end of our investigation, we found evidence to indicate that the former chief constable’s conduct may have breached the police standards of professional behaviour.’

‘We have decided that Mr. Chilton should face a disciplinary hearing. It will now be for the PCC to arrange these proceedings in due course, where a disciplinary panel will then determine, based on the evidence, whether the gross misconduct allegations are proven.’

Next Steps

A statement from the office of Hampshire’s PCC said: ‘The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) has agreed that the findings of the IOPC investigation mean former Chief Constable Scott Chilton should face a disciplinary hearing.’

‘A date for the hearing will be arranged in due course.’