Former Met officer proposed as next Hampshire police chief

Police and crime commissioner Donna Jones has announced Alexis Boon as her preferred candidate to lead Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary following a rigorous selection process.

Mr Boon currently serves as deputy assistant commissioner with the Metropolitan Police.

He is set to replace Scott Chilton, who retired in April after 33 years in service.

Alexis Boon named as preferred choice for Hampshire chief constable (Image: OPPC Communications) Ms Jones said: "After a comprehensive selection process I am delighted to announce Alexis Boon as my preferred candidate to be appointed as the next chief constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.

"Alexis is a highly experienced senior police officer who has worked his way up the ranks – from constable to leading counter terrorism operations across the UK and running the Flying Squad.

"Now as deputy assistant commissioner for local policing he leads over 20,000 officers and staff in London.

"I am very much looking forward to working closely with Alexis to deliver on my Police and Crime Plan and to lead the force with strength, integrity, and commitment to providing an outstanding service to the public."

The appointment will be subject to a confirmation hearing by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Police and Crime Panel, expected to take place on Tuesday, June 24.

Mr Boon began his policing career with Surrey Police in 1998, serving in both uniformed and detective roles before moving to the Metropolitan Police.

In the Met, he worked his way up the ranks before moving to the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

He led the UK’s strategic response to terrorism linked to the conflict in Syria and oversaw hundreds of counter terrorism and national security operations, including those involving high-threat attack planning.

Between 2017 and 2020, he managed the operational counter terrorism policing response to terrorist incidents in London and abroad involving British nationals.

In June 2021, he was appointed temporary commander for Central Specialist Crime, managing specialist and proactive crime units including the Flying Squad.

Mr Boon was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished service in the 2021 Queen’s birthday honours.

Following promotion to substantive commander, he took charge of local policing in south London, overseeing 7,500 officers and numerous high-profile incidents.

He is also an accredited multi-agency gold commander.

Mr Boon was selected following a formal application and interview process carried out in line with national regulations.