David Rider Named Katy ISD Police Chief, Bringing Decades of School Policing Leadership
Katy Independent School District (Katy ISD) has announced the appointment of David Rider as its new Chief of Police, a move that brings an experienced leader in school-based law enforcement to the district. Rider, a 34-year law enforcement veteran, will officially take over the role on Monday, February 17, 2025.
A Leader in School Policing
Rider most recently served as Chief of Police for Fort Bend ISD, where he led the department for 15 years, overseeing security for 79,000 students across 83 campuses. Before that, he spent nearly 13 years as Assistant Chief of Police for Austin ISD, building a reputation for innovative school policing strategies. His law enforcement career began in Kingsville, Texas, where he served as a patrol officer before being promoted to corporal.
Katy ISD Superintendent Ken Gregorski expressed confidence in Rider’s ability to lead the district’s police force.
"Chief Rider’s distinguished career in public education policing and his emphasis on relational law enforcement, with officers as co-educators in schools, is an excellent fit for Katy ISD,” Gregorski said. “His extensive expertise in school-based law enforcement and his leadership experience in large-scale ISDs are unparalleled in our region."
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Katy ISD Police Department: A Commitment to Safety
The Katy ISD Police Department plays a critical role in securing the district’s 181-square-mile jurisdiction, which includes all district-owned property. Officers in the department are licensed and certified by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, with more than half of the personnel achieving Master Peace Officer status—the highest level of certification in Texas law enforcement.
Katy ISD police officers have full law enforcement authority on and off duty, ensuring a safe learning environment for students and staff. The department collaborates closely with local law enforcement agencies and prioritizes proactive engagement with the community.
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Vision for the Future
Rider’s appointment signals a continued focus on student-centered policing and fostering strong relationships between officers and the community. His background in psychology, combined with leadership training from the Bill Blackwood Leadership Command College and a master’s degree in criminal justice management from Sam Houston State University, positions him to lead with a balanced approach to safety and student engagement.
"I’m excited to join Katy ISD and build relationships throughout the department and with the stellar students, staff, and community of this district,” Rider said. “Our department will work every day to maintain a safe and secure environment for all Katy ISD learners and staff.”
As Katy ISD continues to expand, Rider’s leadership will play a key role in shaping the future of school safety and security in one of Texas’ fastest-growing districts.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
