Knoxville Police Chief Suspended Amid Text Message Investigation
Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel has been suspended for one month following an investigation into inappropriate text messages exchanged with a subordinate officer. The investigation concluded that while the texts were flirtatious and sexually suggestive, the relationship did not extend…
Nashville, TN, August 6, 2026 —
Knoxville Police Chief Paul Noel has been suspended for a period of one month.
This disciplinary action follows an investigation into inappropriate text messages that were exchanged between Chief Noel and a subordinate officer.
The investigation determined that the text messages were flirtatious and sexually suggestive in nature. However, the inquiry also concluded that the relationship between Chief Noel and the subordinate officer did not extend beyond phone communication. There was no evidence found to suggest any coercion or physical contact occurred.
Chief Noel is expected to return to his position on September 6th. As part of the resolution of this matter, he has been ordered to attend counseling.
Further details regarding the specific dates of the investigation or the exact content of the messages were not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Camruinn Morgan-Rumsey on www.wsmv.com, see more information here.
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