In a significant career move, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Col. Christopher Paris is set to transition to a role with the FBI, as announced by Governor Josh Shapiro’s office. Known for guiding the state police through numerous high-profile cases, Paris’s departure marks a major shift for the agency.
Leadership Transition
Lieutenant Colonel George L. Bivens is poised to take over as Acting Commissioner starting December 31. Paris’s official last day is set for January 2, 2026, according to a statement from the governor’s office. The FBI has chosen not to comment on this personnel change.
Governor Shapiro praised Paris for his “utmost integrity and distinction” throughout his 26 years of service, highlighting his efforts to enhance accountability and bolster public trust in one of the nation’s largest police agencies.
Notable Tenure
Paris, a native of Lackawanna County, was appointed as the State Police Commissioner in early 2023, with unanimous confirmation from the state Senate. His leadership brought the agency into the national spotlight, notably during an attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump in July 2024. This incident required Paris to testify before the House Homeland Security Committee. Read more here.
Just months later, the agency faced another high-profile incident when Cody Balmer, an armed intruder, breached the governor’s residence in Harrisburg. The situation led to an arson attack, causing significant damage. Balmer later pleaded guilty to the charges. Read more here. A subsequent security review by retired state police Col. Jeffrey Miller resulted in some changes, though the full report remains confidential.
In another challenging event, a violent spree in Susquehanna County in August 2025 resulted in multiple casualties, including two wounded troopers. Paris and Governor Shapiro commended the officers for their brave response. This incident mirrored an earlier case from 2014 when Paris played a key role in capturing Eric Frein after a prolonged manhunt. Read more here.
State Sen. Marty Flynn lauded Paris for his adept handling of various crises, noting, “He’s dealt with a lot since he’s come in … escaped murderers, fugitives, mass murderers, the fire bombing at the governor’s mansion. He’s had a lot of, a lot of fastballs to deal with.”
Under Paris’s guidance, the Pennsylvania State Police secured funding for numerous cadet classes, resulting in over 550 cadets graduating since January 2023. The agency, one of the largest in the U.S., employs around 6,500 personnel, including 4,841 troopers, operating on a $1.5 billion budget.
Career Path
Paris’s career is marked by progression through the ranks since joining the Pennsylvania State Police in 1999. His diverse roles spanned various departments, culminating in his position as Commissioner. He is an alumnus of the University of Scranton and Temple University Beasley School of Law, as well as the FBI National Academy. Read more here.
Expressing gratitude to Governor Shapiro, Paris remarked, “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.”
George Bivens Takes the Helm
George L. Bivens, a seasoned member of the Pennsylvania State Police since 1985, is set to assume the role of Acting Commissioner. With a history of leadership during critical events, Bivens has been recognized for his service, including receiving a Medal of Commendation for bravery in 1998. His extensive experience positions him well to guide the agency forward.
Bivens expressed his dedication to continuing the mission of safety and accountability, stating, “Colonel Paris has built an extraordinary legacy of leadership, professionalism, and commitment to public safety, and I am grateful for his guidance throughout my career. I look forward to working with the dedicated men and women of PSP to continue our mission of keeping Pennsylvania communities safe, supporting our troopers and ensuring that the Commonwealth remains a model for effective and accountable law enforcement.”
