KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel has been suspended for one month without pay after an investigation determined he sent inappropriate text messages to a subordinate employee, Mayor Indya Kincannon announced Thursday.
Kincannon and Noel appeared together at a news conference where they publicly addressed the matter and outlined disciplinary actions resulting from the investigation.
According to the mayor, the Knoxville Police Department’s Office of Professional Standards commissioned an independent third-party investigation into Noel’s conduct. Kincannon said she received the investigative report on Tuesday and determined that a one-month suspension without pay, along with mandatory counseling, was appropriate.
The mayor emphasized that the case involved workplace conduct issues and did not involve any criminal activity.
“I’m shocked, I’m disappointed and I’m disheartened,” Kincannon said.
City officials said the suspension will cost Noel approximately $18,000 in lost pay. He also will be responsible for paying for his required counseling sessions.
During the news conference, Noel offered a public apology to the mayor, members of the police department, his family and the Knoxville community.
“To my family, to Mayor Kincannon, to members of my command staff, I am deeply, deeply sorry,” Noel said. “I will not make excuses or minimize what happened.”
Noel acknowledged that he failed to meet the standards expected of both himself and the department he leads.
“I have not upheld the standards I have for myself or the Knoxville Police Department,” Noel said. “I have said numerous times that higher rank comes with higher accountability.”
Kincannon noted that the punishment was intentionally more severe than what might be imposed on a lower-ranking employee facing a similar situation.
The subordinate involved, Patrol Officer Jasmine Reed, remains employed by the department and is not facing any disciplinary action, according to city officials.
Noel’s suspension took effect Thursday afternoon. During his absence, Assistant Chief David Powell will serve as the department’s acting leader.
The police chief said he understands rebuilding trust will take time and pledged to earn back the confidence of both city leadership and the public when he returns.
“When I return, I will do so with humility,” Noel said. “There’s no quick solution. It’s going to take time, and I promise that I am going to work relentlessly to regain the trust of the mayor and community.”
Noel is expected to return to duty on September 6 following completion of his suspension and counseling requirements.
