PAXTON, Mass. — The new leader of the Massachusetts State Police is set to take over next month and it's the first time the appointment of colonel is from outside the Massachusetts State Police ranks.

The option became possible as part of police reforms passed in 2020.

Gov. Maura Healey selected Geoffrey Noble, a 30-year veteran of law enforcement, who served as a lieutenant colonel, the second-in-command for New Jersey State police, before retiring.

Retired Massachusetts State Police detective lieutenant James Duggan said he believes recent scandals involving state troopers could have led to the governor's decision.

“I do think that this decision to go outside the department was probably sealed with some of the issues that were revealed in the Karen Read trial,” Duggan said. “Issues of ethics and integrity, poor supervision at the supervisor and sergeant rank. So I think it was that trial specifically that really sealed the deal with Governor Healey and made her decision at that point to go outside the department, and going outside the department helps with the trust of the public in the department.”

The Anna Maria College professor also notes most colonels typically only last a few years, which doesn't give them much time to get a lot done and put their own strategies in motion.

Noble will assume leadership of the Massachusetts State Police in October.

Colonel John Mawn has been serving as interim colonel since February 2023.