Staffordshire Police Chief Constable Chris Noble Resigns Amid Misconduct Hearings

The chief constable of Staffordshire Police has resigned, ahead of a gross misconduct hearing regarding his behaviour. Chris Noble was suspended in August amid inquiries by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), with the watchdog confirming in March that it had opened two more investigations regarding his behaviour. Noble resigned on Tuesday via a letter to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Staffordshire, Ben Adams. The misconduct hearing began on Wednesday morning in Noble's absence and has since been adjourned. He was chosen to lead Staffordshire Police after the retirement of the previous chief constable in 2021. Prior to this, he was the assistant chief constable of Humberside Police. In a statement, Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Ben Adams said: "I can confirm that yesterday [28 July], I received Chief Constable Chris Noble's resignation, which I have accepted with immediate effect. "Becky Riggs will remain as Staffordshire Police's acting chief constable. "The misconduct hearing will continue today as planned, under former officer provisions." Staffordshire Police said that it would not be appropriate to comment due to ongoing misconduct proceedings. In a recent statement, the IOPC said: "The chair of the panel has directed that no additional information relating to the detail of the allegations can be released at this time. "We are continuing to investigate other allegations relating to Mr Noble. Given the sensitivity of those matters, for operational reasons, no further information can be provided at this time."