KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel says he has no plans to step down following a 30-day unpaid suspension and is asking both the community and members of the police department to judge him by his overall record rather than a single mistake.
In his first extensive on-camera interview since returning to work Sept. 6, Noel told WVLT News he accepts responsibility for exchanging inappropriate, sexually suggestive text messages with a subordinate patrol officer but believes he can continue to lead the department effectively.
“I’ve taken responsibility for my actions. I’ve learned from it. I’ve certainly grown personally,” Noel said. “I would ask them not to judge me on the worst thing I’ve ever done in my life, but judge me on my entire body of work, which I think is really strong.”
Mayor Indya Kincannon suspended Noel without pay in August after an independent investigation conducted by outside attorney J. William Coley concluded the chief violated Knoxville Police Department standard operating procedures through his communications with Officer Jasmine Reed.
The investigation found no evidence of physical contact, coercion or a quid pro quo arrangement. However, Reed told investigators she felt pressure to engage with the messages because of Noel’s position and authority within the department.
The findings prompted criticism from some community members and city leaders. Knoxville City Councilwoman Amelia Parker publicly called for Noel’s resignation, arguing both Noel and the mayor had failed the city in their handling of the situation.
Noel rejected those calls, saying accountability includes acknowledging mistakes and working to regain trust.
Questions have also arisen about how the department will handle potential conflicts now that both Noel and Reed remain employed by KPD. Noel said a “firewall” has been established to ensure he has no direct involvement in employment or disciplinary matters concerning Reed.
“Any matters related to discipline are going to be handled by Assistant Chief Powell, so I think we have a really good system in place to deal with that,” Noel said.
Since returning from suspension, Noel said he has worked to reconnect with officers throughout the department. Over Labor Day weekend, he visited roll calls across multiple shifts to discuss accountability and leadership with rank-and-file personnel.
“I reminded them about how much I’ve spoken about accountability, and that starts with me,” Noel said. “No person is bigger than the organization.”
During his suspension, Noel completed counseling through the city’s Employee Assistance Program and also participated in private counseling. He said the experience gave him an opportunity to focus on family, faith and personal growth.
Mayor Kincannon previously defended her decision to suspend rather than terminate Noel, citing his overall leadership record and reductions in violent crime during his tenure as chief. She also acknowledged that rebuilding public confidence would be challenging.
Noel said he intends to remain visible in the community and continue attending neighborhood meetings and public forums as he works to restore trust.
“I recognize that some people may have strong feelings about my actions,” he said. “Just give me that opportunity to show you who I am as a person, and I think people will not be disappointed.”
