The New York state Senate on Thursday confirmed Acting State Police Superintendent Steven James to serve fully in that role.

James has served with the State Police for more than 32 years, including more than two decades in a leadership role, serving in positions as deputy superintendent for employee relations, assistant deputy superintendent, staff inspector, major, captain, lieutenant, senior investigator, sergeant, investigator and trooper. He holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University at Albany and a master’s in public administration from Marist College.

Gov. Kathy Hochul nominated James to the position in January, saying at the time that James "will be a Superintendent who will lead this force into the next generation."

James replaced Steven Nigrelli in an acting superintendent role back in October.