KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) — Newly released personnel records reveal a Knoxville Police Department officer involved in the recent texting controversy with Police Chief Paul Noel was previously disciplined for multiple policy violations, including on-duty misconduct.
Officer Jasmine Reed, who was identified in an internal investigation involving inappropriate text exchanges with Chief Noel, received a 10-day suspension in February 2026 after admitting to violating department policy.
According to a document from the Civil Service Merit Board, Reed admitted to engaging in sexual activity while on duty and using city facilities. The disciplinary document also states she admitted to leaving her assigned post without authorization on two separate occasions.
The records indicate the suspension took effect on February 11, 2026.
No Evidence Incident Involved Chief Noel
While Reed was recently at the center of an internal investigation involving text messages exchanged with Chief Noel, personnel records do not indicate the on-duty misconduct involved Noel.
According to the department’s investigation, both Reed and Noel told investigators they never intended to act on the flirtatious messages exchanged over several years.
Investigators also reported finding no evidence that the two had a physical relationship.
Additional Disciplinary History
The personnel file outlines several other disciplinary actions involving Reed during her tenure with the department.
Records show Reed was reprimanded for:
- Mishandling evidence
- Violating body-worn camera policies on multiple occasions
- Failing to properly document certain incidents
- Other departmental policy violations
The file also references Reed’s involvement in the law enforcement response to a burglary call that later resulted in a fatal crash involving another officer and a civilian. Records indicate Reed was not accused of causing the fatal crash.
Texting Investigation Led to Chief’s Suspension
The disciplinary records surfaced after a city investigation into text messages exchanged between Reed and Chief Noel.
Investigators concluded the messages violated departmental expectations for a supervisor-subordinate relationship.
As a result, Chief Paul Noel was suspended for one month. He is expected to return to duty on September 6.
Department officials have said Reed is not facing disciplinary action related to the texting investigation and remains employed by the Knoxville Police Department.
Ongoing Public Scrutiny
The release of Reed’s personnel file has added to public scrutiny surrounding the texting investigation and questions about department oversight.
City investigators previously concluded there was no evidence Reed received special treatment because of her relationship with Noel, despite concerns raised during the review.
Both Reed and Noel have acknowledged the text exchanges, and Noel publicly apologized following the release of the investigation findings.
