Hampshire Police Chief Constable Accused of Affairs and Message Deletion, Panel Hears

A misconduct hearing has highlighted serious allegations against former chief constable Scott Chilton, who is accused of misusing his authority by engaging in inappropriate relationships with two junior police officers.

At the center of the hearing, which unfolded this week, Mr. Chilton, 52, reportedly began an affair with Officer A, a sergeant, while he was still married. It is alleged that some instances of their relationship occurred during his duty hours.

Compounding the situation, Mr. Chilton allegedly arrived at the police station in a smart car to confront Officer A and end their liaison. Following this, he started a relationship with a second officer just weeks after taking the helm of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

During the proceedings, the tribunal was informed that Mr. Chilton pressured Officer B to delete text messages when he feared the affair might come to light. Both women later ascended to the rank of inspector.

The allegations against Mr. Chilton include abusing his position and displaying a significant lack of self-control. Furthermore, he was accused of “brazen dishonesty” in denying the existence of the first relationship.

Mr. Chilton resigned from his role as chief constable in April 2025 amid these allegations. His defense counsel announced that he would not attend the hearing due to reported medical issues.

Representatives from the Office of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police informed the tribunal that four charges have been filed against Mr. Chilton concerning his conduct with Officers A and B.

The alleged relationship with Officer A is said to have spanned from 2008 to 2012, with some sexual activity reportedly occurring while on duty. Mr. Chilton is also accused of failing to disclose this relationship and attempting to evade a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

According to Officer A, whom Mr. Chilton denies having had an affair with, their relationship was consensual. In contrast, Mr. Chilton acknowledged his relationship with Officer B, which began shortly after his appointment as chief constable in February 2023, while still denying that he misused his authority in any manner.

In his initial statement at the hearing, Mr. Chilton admitted to having a “historic relationship between consenting adults,” but strongly contested the second relationship. He expressed regret for not disclosing the affair and acknowledged the embarrassment it caused.

He emphasized that personal matters like these were not reflective of policing or public safety, asserting that they did not interfere with his professional responsibilities. His statements concluded with an apology to his family for the consequences of his actions.

The hearing is ongoing, with serious implications for Mr. Chilton’s reputation and the integrity of police leadership in Hampshire.