Hampshire and Isle of Wight's new chief constable Scott Chilton

Scott Chilton, 49, has returned to the force where he began his policing career as an 18-year-old and served nearly all his career.

With 31 years of experience, he worked his way through uniform policing and spent 16 years as a detective.

He has undertaken a range of strategic roles leading policing commands, most recently as chief constable in Dorset and as the national lead for investigations.

Police and crime commissioner Donna Jones and chief constable Scott Chilton (Image: Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary)

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Scott said: “Having strong relationships with our local communities is the bedrock of policing. 

“We know that people want to feel connected with their local teams and to feel safe. I share that view.  

“This means relentlessly pursuing those who commit crime and bring harm and misery to communities, providing first-class investigations to ensure those responsible face the consequences of their actions, with kindness and compassion being at the heart of our response to victims." 

Chief constable Chilton has already outlined his commitment to delivering the ‘More Police, Safer Streets’ plan, welcoming police and crime commissioner Donna Jones’ announcement to bring in more police officers.

Donna Jones said: “I am delighted to welcome Scott Chilton as the new chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. 

“Scott has extensive experience as a senior police officer, having already been a chief in Dorset, and I am really pleased to be welcoming him back to his home force to lead the constabulary into a new era.”