Paul Noel was officially sworn in as the Chief of Police for the Knoxville Police Department on June 13, 2022, and has hit the ground running.

Chief Noel joined the KPD after serving at the New Orleans Police Department for the past 25 years, most recently serving as a Deputy Superintendent.

As one of his first orders of business, Chief Noel submitted the KPD’s application to the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement Project. ABLE is a peer-intervention training program intended to give officers the tools to intervene when necessary to prevent misconduct, avoid mistakes and promote officer wellness. This program will help the KPD create a culture of accountability to one another and the community and improve officer wellness.

Chief Noel has also been busy getting to know the men and women of the KPD, the Knoxville community, and the issues the city and department are working to address. During his first week, he met with the Deputy Chief and each of the Captains individually, joined two different patrol officers for night shift ride-alongs, met with the Knoxville Area Urban League and attended his first City Council meeting. 

His second week, he was joined by his Command Staff in the Juneteenth Parade, began his one-on-one meetings with Lieutenants, attended a meet-and-greet in South Knoxville hosted by Councilman Tommy Smith, and enjoyed the USA Cycling races in downtown Knoxville. He also did a walking patrol in downtown Knoxville with a Central Business District officer.

Chief Noel completed his third week at the KPD with meetings with area law enforcement and community partners, continued meetings with the KPD Lieutenants, a stop at the Law Enforcement Job Fair on Thursday and another meet-and-greet arranged by Councilwoman Seema Singh.

Chief Noel has a clear vision for the Knoxville Police Department that will focus on four areas – crime prevention, community partnerships, culture and career development. Crime prevention and reduction will always be the department’s top priority, and the KPD will pursue crime reduction through legal, moral and ethical means in partnership with the community. The KPD will also be committed to creating a culture of accountability and providing its officers and employees with the resources and training to accomplish their career goals. 

Chief Noel is incredibly excited to be here and work together to keep moving Knoxville and the Knoxville Police Department forward.