New FBISD Chief Sworn In

The Fort Bend Independent School District has sworn in new police chief, David W. Rider, as the replacement for J.L. “Bubba” Campbell, who retired at the end of last year.

Rider

Rider has more than 19 years of experience in law enforcement, with 16 of those in management, supervision, investigations, disaster preparedness and emergency response. Before joining the district, he served in Austin ISD for more than 12 years, most recently as the assistant chief of police.

In that position, he managed a staff of 70 commissioned officers and 35 regulatory and support personnel. He also supervised five bureau commanders who were responsible for uniformed services, specialized operations, emergency management, life safety systems and administrative services.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Texas A&I University and his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management from Sam Houston State University. He is also a graduate of the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute at Sam Houston University.

Former chief Campbell left the district after 15 years amid some controversy concerning criticism of his management by some members of his own department.  Campbell said he was leaving to pursue “a future business plan.”

In October of 2009, several Fort Bend ISD police officers complained Campbell cut budgetary corners that put the lives and safety of officers at risk.

Officers said they were forced to drive patrol cars that were over a decade old, in very poor shape and without police radios or other basic emergency equipment. 

One officer showed photos of the interior of a Fort Bend ISD squad car. It showed none of the standard equipment typically seen in patrol cars such as a police radio, mobile data terminal, siren or other emergency equipment. Another set of photos showed missing seat belts and a dashboard display with a red engine warning light covered by black electrical tape.

The officers also said department training was poor and officers were frequently forced to purchase their own equipment.

Campbell said older vehicles were being replaced, but denied officers were being forced to drive unsafe. He also said allegations of poor training and officers having to buy their own equipment were untrue.

In 2008, Campbell came under criticism for reportedly running his campaign to become Galveston County Sheriff while on school district time and from his school district office.

Despite calls from residents for the school district to investigate whether Campbell campaigned on school district time, district administrators never publicly acknowledged the complaints.