Christopher Paris

Christopher Paris
27th Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police
Assumed office
March 9, 2023
Acting: January 19, 2023 – March 9, 2023
GovernorJosh Shapiro
Preceded byRobert Evanchick
Personal details
BornDunmore, Pennsylvania, U.S.
EducationUniversity of Scranton
Temple University Beasley School of Law (JD)
ProfessionLaw enforcement

Christopher L. Paris is an American law enforcement officer and the incumbent Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.[1] He is the 23rd state police commissioner and the 27th individual to lead the force.[2]

Early life and education

Early life

Christopher L. Paris was born in the Dunmore, Pennsylvania area. He attended and graduated from Scranton Preparatory School located in Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1994.[3]

Education

After graduating from preparatory school, Paris attended the University of Scranton where he graduated magna cum laude in 1998.[3]

Paris earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the Temple University Beasley School of Law in 2004,[1][3] and in 2005 he passed the Pennsylvania Bar Exam, of which he is an active member.[3] Paris has also passed the New Jersey Bar Exam.[1]

Paris is a graduate of the 267th session of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy,[1] graduating on March 17, 2017.

Law enforcement career

Early career

A native of the Dunmore area Paris, enlisted into the state police in 1999 where he started as a Trooper assigned to Troop K, Skippack and Philadelphia. As Paris progressed through the ranks, he also served in the Bureau of Training and Education, the Department Discipline Office, Troop R Dunmore and Blooming Grove, and Department Headquarters.[3]

Pennsylvania State Police

After enlisting in the Pennsylvania State Police in 1999, Paris would serve as a Trooper assigned to Troop K, Skippack and Philadelphia.[3]

Throughout his career in the department, he has served in the roles of Station and Troop Commander, Area III Commander, and Deputy Commissioner of Administration and Professional Responsibility.[3]

On March 9, 2023, Paris was confirmed by the Pennsylvania State Senate as the next Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police,[4][5] he had previously been serving as the Acting Commissioner since January 19, 2023 when he was appointed by Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.[6]

Paris was Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police during the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. On July 23rd, he testified before Congress regarding the state police actions during the event.[7]

Dates of promotion

  • Paris began his career in the state police as a Trooper in 1999.[8]
  • In 2005, he was promoted to Corporal
  • In 2006, he was promoted to Sergeant
  • In 2010, he was promoted to Lieutenant
  • In 2015, he was promoted to Captain
  • In 2018, he was promoted to Major
  • In 2020, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel
  • Paris was appointed Acting Commissioner by Governor Shapiro on January 19, 2023.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "PSP Commissioner Biography". Pennsylvania State Police. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  2. ^ "PSTA Congratulates Christopher Paris on Being Nominated to Lead Pennsylvania State Police". Pennsylvania State Trooper Association. January 13, 2023. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g "Lackawanna County man tapped to head PSP". wnep.com. 2023-01-13. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  4. ^ "Senate Confirms Henry, Paris To Key Posts". www.politicspa.com/. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  5. ^ "Executive Nominations Information - Paris, Major Christopher". The official website for the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  6. ^ "Five More Cabinet Posts Filled By Shapiro". www.politicspa.com/. 2023-01-15. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  7. ^ "Pennsylvania state police chief testifies before House on Trump shooting". The Hill.
  8. ^ "Shapiro announces nominations for Pennsylvania public safety leaders". ABC27. 2023-01-13. Retrieved 2024-04-20.