Chief constable's 'past relationship' investigated

The chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is being investigated by the police watchdog following an allegation surrounding a "previous relationship".

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirmed it had launched the probe into a claim made against Scott Chilton.

It said it began the investigation following a referral from Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Donna Jones, and was in "its early stages".

Mr Chilton is also the national lead for chief constables for both investigations and tactics, training and equipment.

An IOPC spokesperson said: "We have begun an independent investigation into the conduct of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's Chief Constable Scott Chilton.

"The investigation involves allegations the chief constable failed to disclose a conflict of interest relating to a previous relationship."

Ms Jones said she had referred the "historic report" to the IOPC as was "normal procedure in these cases".

"The chief constable remains in post and has my full support to continue reducing crime, increasing detection rates and making communities safer across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight," she added.

Mr Chilton began his career with the Hampshire force in 1992, becoming assistant chief constable before leaving to take up the role of deputy chief constable for Dorset Police.

He became chief constable of Dorset Police before taking on the same role in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in February 2023.

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