High-ranking police officer embroiled in workplace scandal, forced into early retirement amidst investigation into alleged relationships.
Scott Chilton, the chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, has retired with immediate effect following a notice from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) that he is under investigation for two alleged workplace relationships.
Chilton, who had served in the police force for 33 years, was given notice on Monday morning that he was being investigated for potential gross misconduct over a relationship from before he became chief constable and another after taking the top job. The IOPC said it would continue its investigation regardless of Chilton‘s retirement.
The allegations against Chilton were first made by former DCI Roger Wood, who himself was found to have committed gross misconduct after striking up sexual relationships with junior police staff. Wood had been banned from serving again after his own hearing concluded.
Chilton‘s retirement has been accepted by the Hampshire police and crime commissioner, Donna Jones, who had previously backed Chilton when the allegations first emerged. However, she announced that Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya would be acting chief constable to continue leading the force.
The IOPC investigation will decide at the end of whether Chilton should face disciplinary proceedings, with no criminal offences identified so far.
