Hampshire’s Chief Constable has taken immediate retirement following two referrals from his own police and crime commissioner for potential gross misconduct.

Donna Jones has accepted Scott Chilton’s intention to retire at Chief Constable for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police with immediate effect.

The development follows two separate mandatory referrals by Mrs Jones to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) on February 27 and March 31.

Mr Chilton was served with a notice this morning (Monday, April 7) that he is under investigation for potential gross misconduct with the commissioner being informed.

Their investigation centres around allegations that Mr Chilton failed to disclose a conflict of interest, namely a workplace relationship before he became chief constable.

Mrs Jones said in a statement: “The Chief Constable has retired after 33 years of service.

“The IOPC investigation will continue notwithstanding his retirement.

“As Commissioner, I will now start the process to recruit a new Chief Constable.

“In the interim period I have appointed Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya as Acting Chief Constable to continue leading the force to deliver the best possible service to the public.”

Mr Chilton worked in policing for nearly 33 years, joining Hampshire Police in 1992 before working his way up to Assistant Chief Constable.

He later held the deputy and top role at Dorset Police before returning to Hampshire in 2023 to take the role as chief.

Acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya said: “We are here, first and foremost, to deliver exceptional policing for our communities, putting victims first and bringing offenders to justice.

“This will continue to be our focus, to keep people safe and make sure they feel safe across our two counties.”

Hampshire Police have reiterated they will not be making any further comment while the investigation is ongoing.