The chief constable of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary has stood down amid an investigation into his conduct by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
Scott Chilton was informed this morning by investigators from the IOPC that he is under investigation for potential gross misconduct.
Chilton, who has around 33 years in policing after joining at 18, was previously under investigation by the police watchdog for failing to disclose a relationship after an allegation was made at another former officer's misconduct hearing, reports The Southern Daily Echo.
Hampshire Police has confirmed to GB News the area's Police and Crime Commissioner, Donna Jones, has accepted his retirement, having made two mandatory referrals to the IOPC about the Chief Constable.
Scott Chilton has been suspended
Handout
IOPC director Derrick Campbell said: "This morning (April 7), we notified the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s Chief Constable, Scott Chilton, that he is under investigation for potential gross misconduct.
"This follows indications that he may have potentially breached police standards of professional behaviour relating to honesty and integrity; duties and responsibilities; discreditable conduct; and orders and instructions.
"Our investigation, which involves allegations that he failed to disclose a conflict of interest relating to a workplace relationship before he was chief constable, began following a conduct referral from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) on February 27.
"It was widened to include a further allegation, involving failing to disclose a conflict of interest relating to a further workplace relationship after becoming chief constable, following a second conduct referral from the PCC’s office on March 31."
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary's Chief Constable Scott ChiltonPAHe continued: "We understand that the Chief Constable has today retired from the force with immediate effect. This will not impact our investigation, which remains ongoing.
"The serving of a gross misconduct notice does not mean that disciplinary proceedings will necessarily follow.
"At the end of our investigation, we will decide whether Chilton should face disciplinary proceedings. No criminal offences have currently been identified as part of our ongoing investigation."
Hampshire Police confirmed the Police and Crime Commissioner will now start the process to recruit a new Chief Constable and in the interim period, will appoint Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya as Acting Chief Constable.
Acting Chief Constable Sam de Reya told GB News: "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."
A spokesman from the force said it will not be making any further comment while the investigation is ongoing.