The suspended head of Staffordshire Police, Chris Noble, has resigned from his post, his resignation taking effect at 11am on Tuesday 28 July. The departure was confirmed by the county's Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Ben Adams, ahead of a gross misconduct hearing scheduled to proceed on 29 July.
What happened and who is in charge now
Commissioner Ben Adams said he received and accepted Mr Noble's resignation on 28 July. Becky Riggs will continue in the role of Acting Chief Constable while the misconduct proceedings continue under former officer provisions.
“I can confirm that yesterday (28 July), I received Chief Constable Chris Noble’s resignation, which I have accepted with immediate effect. Becky Riggs will remain as Staffordshire Police’s Acting Chief Constable. The misconduct hearing is continuing today as planned, under former officer provisions.”
Allegations and investigations
The allegations under consideration have been the subject of inquiries by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The IOPC has said its work relates to conduct while Mr Noble was an Assistant Chief Constable in Humberside Police in 2021, and during his tenure with Staffordshire Police in 2024 and 2025. Those inquiries are examining whether professional standards were breached, including potential issues of discreditable conduct and failures relating to duties and responsibilities.
Earlier scrutiny also looked at claims that confidential information may have been shared without an appropriate policing purpose. Mr Noble had been suspended on 1 August 2025 pending the outcome of the IOPC investigations.
Local impact and next steps
The resignation ends Mr Noble’s operational role but does not halt the misconduct hearing process; proceedings are continuing in line with statutory arrangements for former officers. The immediate leadership of the force remains with Ms Riggs in an acting capacity.
- Resignation took effect: 11am, 28 July
- Suspension originally imposed: 1 August 2025
- Hearing continued: 29 July
For residents, the change in leadership should not alter day-to-day policing activity, but it underscores the importance of transparent and timely handling of complaints against senior officers. The IOPC's investigations are ongoing and will determine whether formal misconduct findings follow.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Suspension of Chris Noble | 1 August 2025 |
| Resignation effective | 11am, 28 July |
| Gross misconduct hearing | 29 July |
Any further developments, including outcomes from the IOPC inquiries or the misconduct hearing, will be followed closely and reported as they become available.
