Scott Chilton retires immediately following misconduct investigation linked to undeclared internal relationships before and during his leadership.

Scott Chilton has retired as chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary with immediate effect, coinciding with confirmation that he is under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) over two alleged workplace relationships.

The IOPC revealed on 7 April that Chilton is being investigated for potential gross misconduct connected to one relationship predating his appointment and another that reportedly occurred after he assumed leadership in February 2023.

Donna Jones, the police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Hampshire, who had initially expressed support for Chilton, confirmed she accepted his immediate retirement on the same day he was notified by the IOPC.

Chilton’s policing career spanned more than three decades, having joined the force at 18. Before returning to Hampshire, he had served as chief constable in Dorset. Despite his retirement, the IOPC stated the inquiry would continue, and it would assess whether disciplinary action should follow. No criminal conduct has been identified to date.

Derrick Campbell, IOPC regional director, stated the investigation focuses on breaches of professional standards concerning integrity, conduct, responsibilities, and following instructions. The first allegation emerged in February following a referral from the PCC. A second referral was made in March, prompting the inquiry to widen its scope.

The allegations centre on Chilton’s failure to disclose potential conflicts of interest linked to the relationships. The IOPC said his retirement would not halt the investigation, which remains ongoing.

In response to the leadership change, Jones has appointed Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya as acting chief. “Scott Chilton’s 33 years of service are acknowledged, but the IOPC must now complete its process,” she said.

Chilton had held a national role leading standards and investigations on behalf of all chief constables, including responsibilities in training, detective retention, and coronial investigations.

The initial complaint came from ex-Detective Chief Inspector Roger Wood, who had himself been found guilty of gross misconduct for engaging in relationships with junior staff. During his disciplinary hearing, Wood reportedly claimed that the chief constable had also engaged in an affair—prompting a mandatory referral to the police watchdog shortly after his own dismissal.

Though no formal charges have been laid, the developments raise further concerns about leadership conduct within UK police forces and how internal relationships are managed at senior levels.