HAMPSHIRE'S first 'home grown' police chief constable returns to the force where he first began his career as a teenager. 

Scott Chilton, 49, has returned to the Hampshire Police to fulfil his new role, where he began his policing career as an 18-year-old. 

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

CC Chilton 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.  

READ MORE: Hampshire country hotel reveals new look following £2m refurbishment

“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. 

“As well as being your Chief Constable, I am also a resident of Hampshire, with many of my family and friends living here too. So both personally and professionally, I have the same expectations as you and I am committed to making sure that Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is safe for everyone.” 

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

During the Police and Crime Panel meeting that led to confirmation of Chief Constable Chilton’s appointment, he outlined his passion for local policing and officer visibility.

He also outlined his commitment in delivering the Police and Crime Commissioner’s (PPC) ‘More Police, Safer Streets’ Police and Crime Plan, welcoming her recent announcement to bring in even more police officers to help improve visibility within communities. 

SEE MORE: Boots recall and 'do not eat' warning over possible health risk

Donna Jones, PCC, expressed that she was delighted to welcome Hampshire's new CC, with herself and Mr Chilton sharing the same vision for policing, to make Hampshire the safest place to live, work and visit.

She added: “As Commissioner, I know that driving down the crimes that matter the most to the public, increasing police visibility in neighbourhoods, and creating a force that is tough on crime to bring offenders to justice is what the public rightly expect, and I am confident Scott will lead the constabulary with these ambitions at the very core of his leadership.”