Knoxville Police Department Chief Paul Noel has been suspended for one month without pay following a third-party investigation that revealed he sent inappropriate text messages to a female subordinate, Officer Jasmine Reed.

Mayor Indya Kincannon announced the disciplinary action during a Thursday press conference, noting that the investigation was initiated through the KPD’s Office of Professional Standards after the texts were uncovered during an unrelated inquiry.

Expressing disappointment and shock, Mayor Kincannon emphasized that all city employees, regardless of rank, are held to the same high standards and that Noel’s actions violated multiple professional codes of conduct.

In addition to the 30-day unpaid suspension effective the afternoon of August 6, Noel is required to undergo counseling and leadership training. Assistant Chief David Powell will serve as the interim leader of the department.

Chief Noel released a statement accepting full responsibility for his actions, offering apologies to his family, the department, and the community, and pledging to work to rebuild damaged trust.

The subordinate involved, Officer Reed, previously received a 120-hour suspension alongside Capt. Tammy BeBow following an internal review of a separate three-month relationship involving BeBow’s husband. Investigators found no criminal wrongdoing in that review.