Staffordshire Commissioner suspends Chief Constable pending independent investigation

Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams has today suspended Chief Constable Chris Noble from Staffordshire Police, while an independent investigation into allegations about his conduct takes place.

A referral was made to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) last year concerning the Chief Constable, based on information provided by them. This investigation is ongoing.

Additional allegations have now been made against the Chief Constable that meet the threshold for suspension. These allegations are not work related and pre-date Mr Noble’s time with Staffordshire Police. As a result of these further allegations, the Staffordshire Commissioner has suspended the Chief Constable pending the outcome of the IOPC’s investigations.

Mr Adams said:

“Public confidence in the Police service is vital so all allegations of misconduct must be fully and independently investigated.

“In the interests of the public, Staffordshire Police and the Chief Constable himself, I have decided to suspend Mr Noble from his role pending the outcome of the IOPC’s investigation. Suspension is a neutral act, to enable an independent and thorough investigation to take place. It has no bearing on any indication of guilt and should not be seen as such.

“I know that this announcement will come as a shock to many across Staffordshire, especially our hard-working officers and staff, but it is right that allegations of this serious nature are dealt with consistently and investigated properly and thoroughly.

“I continue to be focused on the communities of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, and ensuring that Staffordshire Police continues to keep our residents safe, protect the vulnerable, and prevent and detect crime and anti-social behaviour.

“My team is now working to identify a temporary Chief Constable.

“As this is an ongoing investigation by the IOPC, I will not be commenting further.”