Scott Chilton, the former chief constable of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, has been found guilty of gross misconduct by a hearing panel. The panel concluded that Mr Chilton, 53, displayed a sense of entitlement, dishonesty, and a lack of integrity through sexual relationships with two subordinate officers.
The hearing in Eastleigh, Hampshire, heard that Mr Chilton had consensual sexual relations with a woman identified as Officer A while he was a chief inspector or superintendent, including when he was on duty. He later "repetitively and dishonestly" denied this relationship when applying for and during his tenure as chief constable.
A consensual relationship with another woman, Officer B, began within weeks of Mr Chilton becoming chief constable. He was found to have "abused his position for a sexual purpose" and should have declared this relationship. When it became known, he "behaved inappropriately" towards Officer B, pressuring her to conceal the events.
Michelle Skeer of His Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, who chaired the panel, stated that Mr Chilton's behaviour showed "persistent dishonesty and lack of integrity." She added that his actions suggested he believed the rules did not apply to him. Mr Chilton retired in April 2025 before the hearing commenced.
The panel stated that Mr Chilton would have been dismissed if he had not resigned. He has been placed on the College of Policing barred officers list, which means he can never again become a police officer.