© Tom Blewitt – Predator Awareness
Chris Noble, the chief constable of Staffordshire Police, has been suspended from his role pending an investigation into his conduct by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
The suspension follows a series of referrals made to the IOPC last year, with further allegations emerging since then. Ben Adams, Staffordshire’s police, fire and crime commissioner, confirmed that the investigation was ongoing and said his office had taken action after receiving additional claims that “met the threshold” for suspension.
A spokesperson from the Chief Police Officers’ Staff Association stated that Mr Noble “completely and categorically” denied any wrongdoing, and would “continue to co-operate fully with the IOPC investigation”.
According to Mr Adams’s office, the allegations are not related to Mr Noble’s professional duties and pre-date his appointment at Staffordshire Police. Mr Noble previously served as assistant chief constable of Humberside Police before taking up his current role in 2021.
The IOPC has confirmed it is also investigating claims that Mr Noble shared confidential information without a legitimate policing purpose. In a statement, an IOPC spokesperson said:
“The referrals relate to reports we’ve received raising serious concerns over Mr Noble’s behaviour outside of his work duties. The IOPC is also separately investigating Mr Noble over allegations he shared confidential information without proper policing purpose.”
Mr Adams emphasized the importance of transparency and public trust in the police:
“Public confidence in the police service is vital so all allegations of misconduct must be fully and independently investigated. Suspension is a neutral act, to enable an independent and thorough investigation to take place.”
He added that the suspension “has no bearing on any indication of guilt and should not be seen as such”.
Acknowledging the impact of the news, Mr Adams said:
“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.”
He also recognized the “shock” felt by many across the county and assured the public that the allegations would be handled “consistently and investigated properly and thoroughly”.
A temporary chief constable is now being sought to lead the force during the investigation. Mr Adams said he would not be commenting further while the IOPC inquiry remains ongoing.
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