John Camper, who currently serves as the Grand Junction Police Chief, has been selected to become the new head of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation starting January 1.

Colorado Department of Public Safety Executive Director Stan Hilkey made the announcement Monday at the conclusion of a nation-wide effort to hire a new director to replace Michael Rankin. Rankin stepped down in early September in favor of a private sector opportunity.

“We had an exceptionally good field of candidates interview for this important leadership position, and the quality of finalists made this a difficult choice. I’m confident that John’s skills, experience, and leadership style will be an excellent fit for CBI,” Hilkey said.

Over his 37-year career, Camper served with the Lakewood Police Department for almost 29 years before joining the Grand Junction Police Department in 2010 as Chief of Police. He will also become the president of the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police in June next year following an election by association members.

CBI has more than 250 people assisting Colorado law enforcement agencies with criminal investigations and laboratory services, along with managing criminal justice information.