Former Chief Constable Found Guilty of Misconduct for Affairs While on Duty

A former Chief Constable, Scott Chilton, has been found guilty of four counts of misconduct by a police standards panel for engaging in sexual relationships with two colleagues while in a senior role. The panel determined that Chilton, 53, was 'deliberately dishonest on multiple occasions' and 'abused his position for his own sexual gratification.' Had he not already retired from his position at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, he could have been sacked.

At the time of his affair with the first colleague, a sergeant he was mentoring, Chilton held 'force silver' status as a superintendent. This meant he was responsible for responding to any critical incidents in the county. The police standards panel deemed it 'wholly unacceptable' for someone in such a command position, while on duty, to be engaging in sexual activity, noting that it could have jeopardized his ability to respond to serious incidents.

Relationships and Dishonesty

Chilton, who was married when the relationships began, ended things with the first officer, referred to as Officer A, at her police station in 2012. The tribunal heard that he began a relationship with a second colleague, Officer B, just weeks after assuming the top job in February 2023. He visited Officer B at her home once or twice a week, falsely claiming to be divorced.

The panel found 'overwhelming evidence' of a sexual relationship with Officer A while Chilton was on duty and that he failed to disclose it. Officer A was described as a consistent witness. The panel concluded that Chilton was 'deliberately dishonest' by not disclosing and continuing to deny the relationship. He also reportedly attempted to influence the Police and Crime Commissioner and paint Officer A in a negative light when allegations emerged.

Regarding Officer B, a subordinate officer, the panel stated that Chilton 'abused his position for a sexual purpose.' He initiated private messaging and visits to her home where the sexual relationship began. The power imbalance was evident, as Officer B later acquiesced to Chilton's requests not to attend force events when his wife was present. This behavior change was cited by the panel as evidence that Officer B was altering her actions at Chilton's behest.

Attempts to Conceal and Abuse of Power

When the relationship with Officer A was on the verge of coming to light, Chilton allegedly pressured Officer B to keep their relationship secret, bombarding her with calls and messages and instructing her to delete communications. The panel noted that Chilton showed a complete disregard for his public responsibilities, discussing sensitive information with Officer B that he should not have.

Panel chair Michelle Skeer stated that Chilton, in the highest position of trust, should have recognized the foreseeable risk of harm from a covert relationship. She added that he repeatedly lied, both by action and omission, about his relationships with both officers, demonstrating a sustained and deliberate attempt to mislead others and protect himself.

Chilton resigned with immediate effect in April of the previous year and received a £55,154 payment described as 'compensation for loss of employment,' understood to be in lieu of his notice period. He did not attend the misconduct hearing, citing ill health, but issued a statement admitting his actions 'fell short' of expectations while denying gross misconduct.