Overview

• The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has launched an investigation into Hampshire Chief Constable Scott Chilton over allegations of failing to disclose a conflict of interest related to a previous relationship.
• The investigation was initiated following a referral from the Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner on February 27, 2025.
• Chilton, who has been Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary since February 2023, continues to serve in his role during the investigation with the support of the Police and Crime Commissioner.
• The allegations surfaced during a misconduct hearing involving a former senior detective, who claimed Chilton had an undisclosed affair with a junior officer while serving as a senior officer.
• This investigation comes at a time of heightened public scrutiny of police leadership and conduct, with Chilton himself holding a national leadership role in policing standards and ethics.