Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police suspended over allegations about his conduct
Staffordshire Commissioner has suspended Chief Constable Chris Noble from Staffordshire Police while an independent investigation takes place
Last updated 1st Aug 2025
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.
Chief Constable Chris Noble has denied any wrongdoing.
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.”
An IOPC spokesman said: "We received mandatory referrals from Staffordshire's Office of the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner on April 30, June 27 and July 29 this year in relation to Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble.
"The referrals relate to reports we've received raising serious concerns over Mr Noble's behaviour outside of his work duties.
"The matters pre-date Mr Noble's appointment as Chief Constable for Staffordshire Police.
"The IOPC is also separately investigating Mr Noble over allegations he shared confidential information without proper policing purpose.
"That followed a referral in 2024 from the Office of the Police, Fire & Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire.
"Our enquiries are ongoing."
A spokesperson from the Chief Police Officers' Staff Association said: "Chief Constable Chris Noble completely and categorically denies any wrongdoing, and will continue to co-operate fully with the IOPC investigation."