A NEW deputy chief constable (DCC) with “a wealth of experience” has been appointed to Dorset Police.

Scott Chilton was successfully selected as the new DCC on July 28, and will take over in October from DCC David Lewis who announced his retirement.

Scott’s most recent role was assistant chief constable at Hampshire Police, where he was strategic lead across all investigations teams, custody, the wider criminal justice system and intelligence.

He joined the Hampshire force in 1992, working his way through uniformed policing before joining CID in 1996, and he spent the next 16 years as a detective progressing through the ranks to chief superintendent.

Following the news Scott said: “I am excited to be joining the brilliant team at Dorset Police and feel privileged to be taking on the role of DCC. I am looking forward enormously to getting to know people and communities across Dorset.

“I have always been a strong advocate of evidence-based policing and have a strong desire to ensure policing focuses its efforts on protecting the most vulnerable and targeting those criminals who cause harm and misery to our communities.”

The appointment process was chaired by Chief Constable James Vaughan., supported by the chief executive of Dorset Council Matthew Prosser and Gloucestershire Constabulary HR lead Caroline Hollister.

CC Vaughan said: “I am delighted to appoint Scott to this crucial role and I look forward to welcoming him into the Dorset Police family in October.

“He has a wealth of experience and will be a valuable asset to the Chief Officer team.”