Cobb Reporter

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has tabbed Michael Register to replace Vic Reynolds as head of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).

Kemp thanked Reynolds for his contributions to the GBI during the peak of the pandemic and a summer of heightened civil unrest, wishing him the best as he serves residents in a new capacity; a FOX 5 Atlanta report said this week.  

"Mike has a strong track record of strengthening public safety and protecting Georgia's communities," Kemp told FOX 5 Atlanta. "I'm looking forward to his impact on this important agency that makes our entire state a safer and better place to live, work, and raise our families.”

Having a lengthy career in law enforcement, Register has worked for the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and served as the chief of police for Cobb and Clayton counties; the report said. He is now poised to replace Reynolds, who was recently sworn in as a superior court judge in Cobb County.

Amid the changes, GBI Assistant Director John Melvin will serve as interim director until Register is officially sworn in. 

If approved by the state public safety board, Register will take control of the 90-employee GBI amid an increased focus on gangs and investigations into election crimes; the report said. Additionally, the GBI is tasked with helping local agencies investigate murders and other serious offenses, including nearly all shootings by police officers.