Police Chief Paul Noel has been nationally recognized for his work to promote ethical policing. In Knoxville, he made strides to clean up racism and sexism in the department, and to improve KPD's relationship with communities that lost trust in police over the years.
Now, many members of the Knoxville City Council don't know how Noel can rebuild that trust.
Councilmembers, who regularly vote to approve funding for KPD, were shocked when Mayor Indya Kincannon announced Aug. 6 that Noel had been suspended without pay for one month forexchanging sexually charged text messages with a subordinate.
As constituents reach out to them, there's little they can do to act. Only Kincannon has the powerto discipline the police chief.
"It’s been an overwhelming
few days," Councilmember Denzel Grant told Knox News on Aug. 11. "It’s the mayor that has the authority. She decides how to move forward. I found that a bit challenging, given our roles.
"I’ve had well over 50 people reach out me regarding this situation. A combination of, 'What’s going to be done? What’s the process in terms of accountability? How is the department going to move forward?' I’ve had people calling for him to be fired. We’re getting all these phone calls and differences of opinion."
The mayor's office commissioned an independent investigation into Noel's behavior, and the lawyer hired to conduct the probe found that Noel committed five violations of the KPD code of conduct. Kincannon decided to suspend Noel for one month without pay and require him to attend counseling instead. The suspension will cost him nearly $19,000 in salary.
Councilmember Amelia Parker, who was elected as an at-large representative by the same citywide constituency as Kincannon, told Knox News on Aug. 11 she thinks Noel should move on.
"Paul Noel should not return to his role as chief," Parker said in a text message.
Other councilmembers agree Noel has a tough road ahead when he returns from his suspension.
Councilmember Karyn Adams, District 1
"I am pleased Mayor Kincannon took quick action to make clear that its not something that would be tolerated. The decision about the punitive scenario, she provided her rationale. I've received messages from folks that say, 'It's not going to work.' People are going to say more when they feel negatively than they do positively. We'll have to see where we are in a month. I hope in that month that the people who are stepping up are supported. I feel like that's another part of what happens when you have such a disturbance. It's important to think about the people making sure the work is getting done. Just to make sure they're supported. When I communicate with people at KPD, they say 'We have a job to do.' I hope city folks can continue to support them."
Knox News spoke to Adams on Aug. 11. She represents South Knoxville and Fort Sanders.
Councilmember Nathan Honeycutt, District 2
Honeycutt did not return two phone calls seeking comment. He represents west Knoxville, including Bearden, Sequoyah Hills and West Hills.
Councilmember Doug Lloyd, District 3
"I feel like it's going to be quite a task to restore public trust at this point. I really thought the chief had done a great job. I don't know at this point [what would change people's minds], that's going to be quite a challenge. I haven't spoken to the chief or the mayor about it in person. She recruited the chief and brought him into town. I don't know how she's going to deal with it."
Knox News spoke to Adams on Aug. 11. Lloyd represents northwest Knoxville, including Cumberland Estates, Norwood and West Haven.
Councilmember Matthew DeBardelaben, District 4
"So much trust is required between the community and police force. I don't know how he's going to rebuild that trust. I want to see him rebuild that trust. It's hard enough to keep the trust that's gifted from people. I would love for both the mayor's office and Chief Noel's team (to say how they) are going to keep the trust. That's his task, to regain the trust."
Knox News spoke to Adams on Aug. 11. DeBardelaben represents northeast Knoxville, including Alice Bell and Fourth and Gill.
Councilmember Charles Thomas, District 5
Thomas did not return a call Aug. 11 from Knox News. He represents north Knoxville, including Inskip and Adair Hills.
Councilmember Debbie Helsley, at-large (represents the whole city)
Helsley declined to comment when reached Aug. 12.
Councilmember Lynne Fugate, District 7 (represents the whole city)
Fugate declined to comment when reached Aug. 12.
Allie Feinberg is the politics reporter for Knox News. Email: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com; Reddit: u/KnoxNewsAllie
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: City councilmembers express doubt about Paul Noel's ability to regain trust
