Adrian Goldsmith, 49, is alleged to have killed Jill Goldsmith, 49, at the house they shared in Wootton Hall Park, Northampton, on Thursday.
Appearing at Northampton Crown Court via a video link from Bedford Prison, Mr Goldsmith was remanded in custody to enter a plea in July.
A post-mortem examination revealed Mrs Goldsmith died from a head injury.
Mr Goldsmith, also known as Otis, was off-duty at the time of the alleged incident and was arrested at the scene. He had served with the force for 28 years.
Judge Rupert Mayo ordered the case to be transferred to a High Court judge outside Northamptonshire.
The murder investigation team will not include anyone from Northamptonshire Police, the force confirmed.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been notified of the death.
A Northamptonshire police constable has appeared in court accused of murdering his wife.