Col. Christopher L. Paris will retire as state police commissioner effective Jan. 2, 2026, after accepting a position with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A release from Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office said Lt. Col. George L. Bivens, the current deputy commissioner of operations, will be named acting commissioner effective December 31.

Under Paris’ leadership, violent crime dropped nearly 12%, homicides are down 34% and fatal gun violence is down 42%, according to the release.

“It has been an honor to lead the dedicated men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police and I am proud of the work we’ve done together. Serving the people of Pennsylvania in this capacity has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” Paris said.