Former Hampshire Chief Constable to face gross misconduct hearing following investigation into workplace relationships
Factual summary of a published IOPC investigation, covering the incident, key findings and outcome.
- Published
- 2026-01-12
- Investigation type
- independent
- Force involved
- Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary
What was investigated
The IOPC investigated allegations relating to two sexual relationships in the workplace at HIOW Constabulary that he failed to disclose. The investigation found a case to answer for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour.
Key findings
- The former chief constable retired while under investigation.
- He failed to disclose a previous sexual relationship during the application process to become chief constable.
- He had sex with an officer while on duty before becoming chief constable.
- He repeatedly and dishonestly denied the relationship while he was chief constable.
- He abused his position for a sexual purpose by having a sexual relationship with an officer while chief constable.
Outcome
Mr Chilton is to face a gross misconduct hearing based on the investigation's findings. The PCC will decide the next steps in the disciplinary process.
Related on BlueLineHub
- Accountability hub — how oversight of UK policing works
- IOPC outcomes & learning feed
- Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary force profile
This is a factual summary of a report published by the Independent Office for Police Conduct. Individuals are referred to exactly as the source report anonymises them. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the IOPC · Summarised 2026-07-13.