Today, Mayor Indya Kincannon introduced Paul Noel as Knoxville’s next Chief of Police. Noel is a 25 year-plus police veteran and currently serves as Deputy Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department.

“This is the most important hire I will make for the people of Knoxville and I am confident we have the best fit for our city,” said Mayor Kincannon. “Paul is passionate about serving and believes transparency, accountability, and accessibility are key to being an effective leader.

“He is also a nationally recognized advocate for preventing mistakes and misconduct by police officers and I look forward to him bringing his experience and expertise to our city.”

That national recognition comes from Noel’s service as a board member of the Georgetown University Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE) Project and for his work championing the Ethical Policing is Courageous (EPIC) program.

Noel told reporters today, “I am excited to get started and to help make sure Knoxville is a safe place to live, work, and to raise our families.”  

He went on to say, “Being part of a community means you must have relationships and relationships are built on trust. I commit to you that we will build ties, work to repair broken relationships, and enhance existing ones.  At the same time, I understand that your support must be earned every day, in every encounter, in every conversation and in every action. I pledge to you that the time and energy you have invested in me will be returned tenfold.”

Noel also directly addressed officers saying, “I am asking for your unwavering commitment to the integrity of our profession and to the honor of the badge we wear over our hearts.”

During his 25-plus years with the New Orleans Police Department Noel has served as Deputy Superintendent, Chief of Detectives, Chief of Field Operations, as the Leader of the Sexual Assault Special Task Force, a Commander for the Criminal Investigation Division, and more.

Noel attended Loyola University New Orleans, where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He is an avid outdoorsman, and he and his wife are proud parents of 2 children.

His first day on the job will be June 13, 2022. Mayor Kincannon has appointed KPD Deputy Chief Mark Fortner as Acting Chief, in the interim.

You can read Noel’s full resume at www.KnoxvilleTN.gov/ChiefSearch.