Hampshire Police: Scott Chilton on becoming chief constable

Scott Chilton stepped into his new role less than a fortnight ago and has already hit the ground running.

The move comes after a career spent working in Hampshire before a stint as Dorset’s chief constable.

He has vowed to that the force does what is expected of it by the public, to instil trust and confidence in the police.

Scott Chilton (Image: Maya George, Newsquest)

CC Chilton said: “I’m really pleased to be back here leading the force.

“I’ve worked in Southampton for many years in different roles. I understand the city is such a busy place and I know what the public want to see.

“They want to see police take decisive action when they see crime happening.

“If they’re victims of crime they want to feel trust and have confidence that the police are going to be responsive and investigate that crime really well.

“And importantly, that we work with the community to make it a safe place.”

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There are three issues Mr Chilton is keen to tackle head-on.

He said: “One of those is to make sure we have really good neighbourhood policing.

“The second is to make sure we investigate crime really well, which is what the public, quite rightfully, expect from us.

“And I want to make sure people are not only safe, but feel safe as well.”

Recent data revealed that in Hampshire alone, there has been an increase in sex offences since 2011.

In 2011, a total of 6,175 offences were recorded.

This figure has since jumped to 7,555 in 2022.

READ MORE: Meet the new police boss who has a 'zero-tolerance policy' for violent crime

And with today being International Women’s Day, CC Chilton emphasised the force’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls.

He said: “Quite understandably there are concerns, and there are some cases that have been quite prominent in the news that have made people feel unsafe.

“I know the force is really committed to tackling violence against women and girls with other agencies as well to make sure Southampton is a safe place for women and girls to go out in.

“We put on additional patrols and I know there are a number of initiatives that take place so people know that if they’ve got concerns, they can raise them and the police will take action.

“One of the things I’m doing is reviewing our approach to make sure we’re addressing those concerns.

“When I think about what is worrying people, this is quite understandably one of the things that worries them and it’s at the top of my list to deal with.”