DEPUTY Chief Constable Scott Chilton has been named as the preferred candidate for Chief Constable of Dorset Police.

The decision was announced by Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick, but will be subject to a confirmation hearing by the Dorset Police and Crime Panel taking place on August 12.

If confirmed, he will take over the role from James Vaughan, who announced his decision to retire from the Force earlier this year.

David Sidwick said: “I have got to know Scott well over the past weeks since I took up office as PCC and I know he is an outstanding officer, who brings with him a wealth of experience from his extensive policing career.

“The decision by the selection panel was unanimous. He is absolutely the right person to lead the force into a new era and I look forward to working closely with him as I begin delivering my new Police and Crime Plan which will set out how I intend to build on our successes, deliver an outstanding service and turn Dorset into the safest part of the country.”

Scott was appointed as Deputy Chief Constable last year, following a role as Assistant Chief Constable (Crime, Criminal Justice and Intelligence) at Hampshire Constabulary, where he was strategic lead across all investigations teams, custody, the wider criminal justice system and intelligence. His appointment as Deputy was said to have been made against a strong field of applicants.

Deputy Chief Constable Scott Chilton said: “I am both humbled and privileged to have been selected by the Police and Crime Commissioner as the preferred candidate to be the next Chief Constable of Dorset Police. I look forward to appearing before the Police and Crime Panel on August 12.

“Having been a Police Officer for 29 years I know the dedication and commitment shown daily by our officers, staff and volunteers and I am honoured that I will have the opportunity to lead Dorset Police as the Chief Constable.

“I look forward to working with the Police and Crime Commissioner to ensure we continue to provide the best possible service to our communities in Dorset.”

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