TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas Bureau of Investigation Director Kirk Thompson says he will retire, effective January 10th.

Thompson has led the law enforcement agency since July 2011.

Republican Kris Kobach will name Thompson's replacement after he takes office as Attorney General in January. Kobach's choice must be approved by the Kansas Senate.

The KBI said in a news release that Thompson began discussing retirement several months ago and the agency's employees were informed about his decision in early November. T

hompson served more than 46 years in Kansas law enforcement and joined the KBI in 1979.