Police chief's suspension a 'significant moment'

Chris Noble, chief constable of Staffordshire Police, has been suspended

The suspension of the boss of Staffordshire Police is a "significant moment" creating a "period of uncertainty", according to the body that represents his frontline officers.

Chris Noble, the force's chief constable, was suspended on Friday amid a watchdog investigation into his conduct. He denies any wrongdoing.

He was first reported to the police watchdog in 2024 but further allegations had "met the threshold" for suspension, the county's police commissioner Ben Adams said last week.

On Monday, the Staffordshire Police Federation, which represents officers up to the rank of chief inspector, said it hoped the investigation was concluded as soon as possible.

Adding it was not involved in the decision-making process or "privy to the details surrounding this matter", the federation said a swift resolution was "in the interests of the force, our members, and for the welfare of the chief constable himself".

A statement read: "The suspension of the chief constable is a significant moment for Staffordshire Police.

"Our primary focus remains on supporting our members — the frontline officers who continue to serve our communities with professionalism and dedication during this period of uncertainty."

'Serious concerns'

Mr Adams said last week that the allegations being probed by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) were not work-related and pre-dated Mr Noble's time at Staffordshire Police.

He said the suspension was a "neutral act" to allow an independent and thorough investigation to take place.

A temporary chief constable is being sought by the commissioner's team.

An IOPC spokesperson said last week it received referrals in April, June and July which raised "serious concerns" over Mr Noble's behaviour outside of his work duties.

It was also investigating separate allegations over whether he shared confidential information "without proper policing purposes", they added.

A spokesperson from the Chief Police Officers' Staff Association said on Friday that Mr Noble "completely and categorically" denied any wrongdoing and would co-operate fully with the investigation.

Mr Noble was chosen to lead Staffordshire Police after the retirement of the previous boss in 2021.

Prior to this, he was the assistant chief constable of Humberside Police.