Staffordshire Police chief suspended while conduct investigated

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78z60wel9do

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The allegations against Ch Con Chris Noble are not work related and pre-date his time with the force, said the commissioner

The head of a police force has been suspended from his role while an investigation into his conduct takes place by the watchdog.

Chris Noble, the Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, was reported to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) last year.

Ben Adams, the county's police, fire and crime commissioner, said this investigation was ongoing, but since the referral, additional allegations had been made "against the chief constable that meet the threshold for suspension".

Suspending the officer, Mr Adams's office said the allegations were not work related and pre-dated Mr Noble's time with Staffordshire Police.

Mr Adams said: "Public confidence in the police service is vital so all allegations of misconduct must be fully and independently investigated.

"Suspension is a neutral act, to enable an independent and thorough investigation to take place.

He added the suspension had "no bearing on any indication of guilt and should not be seen as such".

Mr Adams acknowledged the "shock" many across the county may feel but reassured people the allegations would be dealt with "consistently and investigated properly and thoroughly."

"I continue to be focused on the communities of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, and ensuring that Staffordshire Police continues to keep our residents safe, protect the vulnerable, and prevent and detect crime and anti-social behaviour," he said.

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

Mr Adams said as it was an ongoing investigation by the IOPC he would not be commenting further.

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