Key facts
- Former chief constable Scott Chilton found guilty of gross misconduct.
- Chilton had consensual sexual relations with two subordinate officers, Officer A and Officer B.
- He engaged in sexual activity with Officer A while on duty and in silver command.
- Chilton repeatedly lied about his relationships and abused his position for sexual gratification.
- The panel chair cited Chilton's persistent dishonesty and lack of integrity.
- Chilton has been placed on the College of Policing barred officers list.
A misconduct hearing has ruled that Scott Chilton, 53, a former chief constable of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, committed gross misconduct due to sexual relationships with two subordinate officers. The panel found that Chilton, who retired in April 2025, displayed a sense of entitlement, dishonesty, and lack of integrity.
Chilton was found to have had consensual sexual relations with Officer A, including while on duty and in silver command, and repeatedly and dishonestly denied this relationship when applying for and during his tenure as chief constable. A consensual relationship with Officer B began shortly after Chilton became chief constable. He was found to have abused his position for a sexual purpose and failed to declare this relationship.
Michelle Skeer, chairing the panel, stated that Chilton's behavior demonstrated persistent dishonesty and a lack of integrity, suggesting he believed the rules did not apply to him. She noted his actions were driven by entitlement and a desire for personal gain and sexual gratification. Chilton also discussed confidential policing matters with Officer B via WhatsApp and attempted to control the narrative surrounding the allegations.
During the hearing, it was mentioned that former DCI Roger Wood also faced disciplinary proceedings for inappropriate relations with two junior colleagues and had claimed Chilton had affairs. Chilton's defense stated he would not attend the hearing due to medical issues, and he admitted to the second relationship but not the first, claiming it was a personal matter that did not influence policing decisions.
Chilton's career spanned 33 years, including a role leading the National Police Chiefs’ Council on national investigation standards. He would have been dismissed had he not resigned and has now been placed on the College of Policing barred officers list.