DORSET Police’s chief constable has been chosen as the preferred candidate for the equivalent role in Hampshire after just over a year in the Dorset hotseat.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire Constabulary, Donna Jones, has named Scott Chilton as her proposed appointment for the force’s next chief constable.

Mr Chilton is the current chief constable for Dorset Police, a position he has held since July 2021.

PCC Jones said: “After a comprehensive selection process I am delighted to announce Scott Chilton as my preferred candidate to be appointed as the next chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

Bournemouth Echo: Scott Chilton looks set for Hampshire Constabulary return.Scott Chilton looks set for Hampshire Constabulary return. (Image: Hampshire Constabulary)

“Scott started his policing career in Hampshire, working his way up through the ranks to assistant chief constable. He left Hampshire in 2020 to take up the role of deputy chief constable for Dorset Police before being appointed as Dorset’s chief constable.

“Scott is a highly experienced senior police officer and I am very much looking forward to working closely with him as I continue to deliver on my Police and Crime Plan and support the force to provide an outstanding service to the public.”

The appointment is subject to a confirmation hearing by a police and crime panel who will review the PCC’s proposed appointment.

Soon after Mr Chilton was appointed chief constable for Dorset, the Echo accompanied him on a patrol through Bournemouth town centre where he met with residents to hear their thoughts on his plans to be “tough on crime”.

He outlined pledges to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, increase the visibility of the force, more convictions, and tackle invisible offences such as cyber crime.

Bournemouth Echo: Dorset Police chief constable Scott Chilton and Bournemouth resident Kennedy WaweruDorset Police chief constable Scott Chilton and Bournemouth resident Kennedy Waweru

Hampshire’s current chief constable, Olivia Pinkney, announced in September that she would be retiring from policing in spring next year.

The confirmation hearing for Mr Chilton is expected to take place on November 21.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “Chief Constable Scott Chilton had previously informed me that he was interviewing for the role in Hampshire and, earlier today, I was further notified that he would be announced as the preferred candidate for Chief Constable for Hampshire Constabulary. I respect and understand his decision.

“The appointment is subject to a confirmation hearing from the Hampshire Police and Crime Panel, so I will issue a full statement once that process has been completed later this month.”