Staffordshire Chief Constable Chris Noble Resigns Ahead Of Gross Misconduct Hearing

Chris Noble, the chief constable of Staffordshire Police, has resigned from his post with immediate effect ahead of a planned gross misconduct hearing into his conduct.

Noble had been suspended in August while the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) carried out inquiries. In March the IOPC confirmed it had opened two further investigations into aspects of his behaviour.

On 28 July, Noble sent a resignation letter to Staffordshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, who confirmed he accepted the resignation immediately.

The misconduct hearing opened on Wednesday morning in Noble's absence and was subsequently adjourned. The hearing is expected to continue under provisions that apply to former officers.

Leadership And Succession

Noble was appointed chief constable of Staffordshire Police following the retirement of his predecessor in 2021. Before that, he served as assistant chief constable at Humberside Police. Becky Riggs will remain as acting chief constable while investigations continue.

Official Statements And Ongoing Inquiries

"I can confirm that yesterday [28 July], I received Chief Constable Chris Noble's resignation, which I have accepted with immediate effect," said Ben Adams, Staffordshire's Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner.

Staffordshire Police said it would not comment further because misconduct proceedings are ongoing. The IOPC added that the panel chair has directed that no additional details of the allegations be released at this time and that further information cannot be provided for operational reasons as other related investigations continue.

The matter remains subject to ongoing independent investigation and formal disciplinary processes.