By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
- Harrisburg/Philadelphia — Col. Christopher L. Paris will retire Jan. 2, 2026 as commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police to take a position with the FBI. Pennsylvania Government
- Succession: Lt. Col. George L. Bivens, deputy commissioner of operations, will serve as acting commissioner starting Dec. 31, 2025, ensuring leadership continuity. Pennsylvania Government
- Background: Paris, appointed in 2023, is a 26-year PSP veteran who previously commanded the Blooming Grove barracks and helped lead the response after the 2014 Eric Frein ambush. Police1
- Notes: The PSP is among the nation’s largest statewide agencies; Paris’ move follows a period of staffing expansion and modernization under Gov. Josh Shapiro. Police1
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Col. Christopher L. Paris will leave his post as commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) at the start of the new year to join the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced. Paris’ retirement is effective Jan. 2, 2026; Lt. Col. George L. Bivens will become acting commissioner on Dec. 31, 2025. Pennsylvania Government
Paris, a Scranton native and 26-year PSP veteran, was nominated by Shapiro in January 2023 and unanimously confirmed that March. Under his tenure, the administration highlighted efforts to expand staffing and modernize operations across one of the country’s largest statewide police agencies. Police1
Before becoming commissioner, Paris led the Blooming Grove barracks in Pike County and helped steer the agency through the aftermath of the 2014 ambush that killed Cpl. Bryon K. Dickson II and wounded Trooper Alex Douglass; suspect Eric Frein was captured after a 48-day manhunt and later sentenced. Police1
Shapiro praised Paris’ service and said Bivens—a longtime operational leader who has overseen major deployments and high-profile searches—will provide “steadiness and resolve” as PSP transitions to new leadership. Multiple Pennsylvania outlets also reported Paris’ FBI move and the effective dates of the leadership change. Police1+2Officer+2