KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT)— Personnel records obtained by WVLT News reveal Knoxville Police Officer Jasmine Reed, who was involved in the recent texting controversy with Police Chief Paul Noel, has been disciplined multiple times during her career for policy violations, including evidence handling issues, body camera violations, reporting failures and on-duty misconduct.
The records come as scrutiny continues over the texting relationship between Noel and Reed, which prompted an internal affairs investigation and ultimately led to Noel’s one-month suspension.
While investigators examined whether Reed received preferential treatment because of her relationship with the chief, the city’s investigation concluded there was no evidence that favors or special treatment were exchanged through the text messages.
History of Department Discipline
According to records reviewed by WVLT, Reed’s disciplinary history includes several incidents dating back several years.
One of the most significant disciplinary actions occurred earlier this year when Reed received a 10-day suspension after admitting to engaging in sexual activity while on duty and using city facilities. The disciplinary record also stated she admitted leaving her assigned post without permission on two occasions.
Evidence Handling Violations
An August 2025 reprimand found Reed improperly handled evidence in 20 separate cases.
The personnel records indicate the violations were uncovered following a complaint and subsequent audit of her evidence submissions. The disciplinary documents do not provide specific details regarding how the evidence was mishandled, but the findings led to formal disciplinary action.
Body Camera Policy Violations
Reed also received discipline for multiple body-worn camera violations.
A 2023 reprimand cited Reed for turning off her camera during a traffic stop, violating department policy requiring recording during community interactions.
Another disciplinary action in 2025 involved Reed responding to an incident involving a vehicle blocking a roadway without activating her camera immediately. The record states the encounter later involved a use of force incident, preventing what officials described as complete “wheel-to-wheel” video coverage of the call.
Failure to Report Use of Force
Records also show Reed was reprimanded in April 2025 after she and another officer failed to notify a supervisor following a use-of-force incident.
According to the disciplinary report, Reed assisted another officer during an encounter with an uncooperative suspect. The suspect was taken to the ground during the arrest. Investigators found the use of force itself was justified, but department policy requiring supervisory notification was not followed.
Prior Emergency Response Violation
Another disciplinary case involved Reed’s response to a burglary call in 2021.
An internal investigation found she failed to activate emergency lights and sirens while responding at high speed to the incident, a violation of state law and department policy. The response was part of the incident that later resulted in a fatal crash involving another officer and 27-year-old Mauricio Luna on Kingston Pike. Records indicate Reed was not implicated in the fatal collision itself.
Texting Investigation
The disciplinary history surfaced following an internal investigation into text messages between Reed and Chief Noel.
The investigation found the messages were inappropriate for a supervisor-subordinate relationship and violated department standards. Noel publicly apologized after the findings were released and accepted disciplinary action from the city.
During her interview with investigators, Reed said she felt pressure to respond to Noel’s messages because of his position as police chief. However, she also maintained she did not seek special treatment or favors through the relationship.
Investigators ultimately agreed, concluding there was no evidence the texting relationship resulted in preferential treatment.
No Additional Discipline for Reed
Despite the findings surrounding the text messages, Knoxville Police Department officials say Reed will not face additional disciplinary action related to the investigation.
KPD Communications Manager Scott Erland told WVLT that Reed remains employed by the department and has no pending discipline connected to the matter.
Chief Noel is currently serving a one-month suspension and is scheduled to return to duty on September 6, 2026.
