Former Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble would have been dismissed had he not resigned, following the outcome of an accelerated gross misconduct hearing which found that his actions amounted to gross misconduct.
The public two-day accelerated gross misconduct hearing, chaired by His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services Kathryn Stone OBE, concluded on 30 July. Mr Noble was found to have breached standards of Police professional behaviour.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “Public confidence in policing is vital, so all allegations of misconduct must be fully and independently investigated. That process must apply to everyone, regardless of rank or status.
“Now that this independent process has concluded, Staffordshire Police can move forward. I would like to thank the Chair and the Panel for helping to bring this period of uncertainty to a close.
“The challenges facing the force, including those identified by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services in its recent report, remain my focus. I will now take steps to bring the permanence and stability needed in the force’s leadership, so we can continue improving services for the communities of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.”
As a result of these proceedings, Mr Noble will be included on the College of Policing’s barred list, which will prevent him being employed or appointed by a Police force or other specified law enforcement body.
As per the Chair’s determination, reporting restrictions are in place in relation to the content of the hearing. These will remain in place until further directions are issued by the Chair.