A police misconduct panel in Eastleigh, Hampshire, ruled on October 8, 2026, that former Chief Constable Scott Chilton is guilty of gross misconduct. The panel concluded that the 53-year-old would have been dismissed without notice had he still been a serving officer.
Chilton, who retired as the head of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary in April 2025, has been placed on the College of Policing’s barred list. This permanent measure prohibits him from holding any position within the police service in the future.
Findings of Gross Misconduct
The panel, chaired by Michelle Skeer of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services, determined that Chilton engaged in a sustained pattern of dishonesty and abuse of power. The investigation focused on two sexual relationships with junior officers:
- Relationship with Officer A (2008-2012): The panel found that Chilton, then a chief inspector or superintendent, engaged in sexual activity with a junior officer while on duty. Evidence showed he held “silver command” responsibilities for major incidents during these times.
- Relationship with Officer B (2023): This relationship began shortly after Chilton became chief constable. The panel concluded he abused his senior position for sexual purposes and pressured the officer to conceal the affair, including ordering her to delete messages.
Dishonesty and Lack of Integrity
The panel highlighted a persistent failure to maintain professional standards. Chilton repeatedly denied the existence of the first relationship during his application process for chief constable and in subsequent inquiries by the Police and Crime Commissioner and senior colleagues.
Chair Michelle Skeer stated that Chilton’s conduct was a “serious, deliberate and sustained attempt to mislead” to protect his own interests. She noted that his actions were driven by a sense of entitlement, and that he bullied the second officer involved to keep their relationship secret.
Response and Legal Context
Chilton did not attend the hearing, citing medical issues. In a prior statement, he acknowledged the second relationship and expressed regret for the impact on his family, though he continued to dispute the findings regarding the first relationship. He maintained that these matters were personal and did not influence his professional policing decisions.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) led the investigation following a referral from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner in February 2025. The case has raised significant concerns regarding leadership standards within the force.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the College of Policing barred list?
The barred list is a public record of individuals dismissed from the police service, or who would have been dismissed had they not resigned. It prohibits them from working in policing again.
Why was Scott Chilton not dismissed?
Because Chilton retired in April 2025 before the hearing concluded, the panel ruled he “would have been dismissed” had he still been a serving officer.
What were the specific charges against Chilton?
He was found to have breached standards regarding honesty and integrity, orders and instructions, discreditable conduct, and authority, respect, and courtesy.
How did the investigation begin?
The investigation was triggered by a referral from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner in February 2025, following information that emerged during unrelated disciplinary proceedings.
Did Scott Chilton admit to the misconduct?
He admitted to the relationship with the second officer but disputed the allegations regarding the first, while acknowledging that his failure to disclose his personal affairs fell below expected standards.
