Former Hampshire and Isle of Wight Chief Constable Scott Chilton is due to face a public gross misconduct hearing over allegations involving sexual relationships with two subordinate police officers.
The hearing is scheduled to begin on 5 October 2026, following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into two alleged workplace relationships.
The allegations have not yet been determined and will be considered by the disciplinary panel.
Chilton is accused of failing to disclose a previous sexual relationship with another officer when applying to become chief constable.
The relationship is alleged to have taken place before he became chief constable, with the IOPC saying Chilton is also accused of having sex with the officer while on duty.
He is further alleged to have repeatedly and dishonestly denied the relationship while serving as chief constable when questioned by senior figures from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Second alleged workplace relationship
Separate allegations concern a relationship after Chilton became chief constable.
The IOPC says he is accused of abusing his position for a sexual purpose by having a sexual relationship with another officer while holding the force’s most senior position and failing to declare that relationship. The alleged conduct potentially breached police professional standards relating to honesty and integrity, authority, respect and courtesy, orders and instructions, and discreditable conduct.
IOPC Director Derrick Campbell said the watchdog had found evidence indicating Chilton’s conduct may have breached professional standards, but stressed that it will be for the disciplinary panel to determine whether the allegations are proven.
The IOPC has previously said no criminal offences were identified during its investigation.
Chilton retired during investigation
Chilton retired with immediate effect in April 2025 after almost 33 years in policing.
His retirement followed two mandatory referrals made by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones to the IOPC, on 27 February and 31 March 2025. The investigation continued despite his departure from the force.
A public misconduct hearing allows the allegations and evidence to be considered before an independent panel and gives the person concerned an opportunity to respond.
The allegations against Chilton remain unproven unless and until determined by the misconduct panel.
