​ST. PAUL — After serving the Minnesota State Patrol for nearly 25 years, Col. Matt Langer announced today he is leaving the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to take a position as the director of global policing for the International Association of Chiefs of Police.  

Col. Langer began his career with the State Patrol in 1999, where he developed an appreciation for the organization and discovered a passion for traffic safety. He worked his way through the ranks and has been the State Patrol's chief for the past 10 years.

Col. Langer's accomplishments include:

• Helping advocate for the passage of the state's hands-free bill in 2019.
• Growing an internal peer support team and re-establishing a chaplaincy program.
• Helping focus the State Patrol's education and enforcement efforts on preventing driving behaviors that cause fatal crashes. Minnesota's roads are now the third-safest in the nation.
• Signing a pledge to increase the number of female troopers and support staff to 30 percent by 2030.
• Langer said he's most proud of the work troopers do each day to keep the state's roads safe and make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

“Beginning my career with the State Patrol was an easy decision — deciding to leave has been the opposite," Langer said. “I am truly proud of the work our employees do every day and am honored to have been able to lead them for the past 10 years. Our greatest asset is the people within our organization and the millions of Minnesotans who support us in our work. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

DPS Commissioner Bob Jacobson said the colonel's leadership over the past decade during some of the state's most challenging moments has helped build upon a foundation of stability in the State Patrol, Minnesota's largest law enforcement agency.

“Col. Langer embodies what we expect and need from a law enforcement leader. He has always put people first, whether it's the members of the State Patrol or families who are facing their worst day and grieving the loss of a loved one," Commissioner Jacobson said. “He not only believes in the State Patrol's core values, but he conducts every interaction with respect, integrity, courage, honor and excellence. Under Col. Langer's guidance, the State Patrol has continued to exemplify professionalism, integrity and a dedication to keeping our roads safe."

Commissioner Jacobson said he is proud of Col. Langer's work and excited his new role will keep him at the forefront of public safety.

“It's always hard to see a compassionate, strong and dedicated leader like Col. Langer leave for another opportunity but we know he will continue making an impact on public safety in his new role," Jacobson said. “Thanks to Col. Langer's leadership, the State Patrol is well positioned to continue serving the people in this state and supporting our law enforcement partners."

Col. Langer's last day will be April 2. Upon his departure, current Lt. Col. Christina Bogojevic will serve as interim chief.

Commissioner Jacobson will immediately begin the process to name a new colonel.