Title: Dean of Academics
Company: Albizu University
Location: Miami, Florida, United States
Raimundo J. Socorro, PhD, Dean of Academics at Albizu University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in Law Enforcement and Academic Administration.
Dr. Socorro’s extensive background in law enforcement, public safety leadership and academia spans more than 35 years. Since 2025, he has served as the dean of academics at Albizu University in Miami, Florida, where he oversees the criminal justice program, addresses operational challenges, serves on dissertation panels, organizes academic events and leads marketing initiatives. In this capacity, Dr. Socorro has earned recognition for his commitment to advancing procedural justice, legitimacy and fair policing practices throughout Florida.
Drawing on behavioral science principles that aided his own adjustment, Dr. Socorro established a clinic at Albizu University dedicated to providing law enforcement officers with a supportive environment to discuss their experiences. Additionally, he partnered with the Boulder Crest Foundation to train officers to recognize signs of distress among colleagues and to foster open dialogue within departments.
In addition to his role at Albizu University, Dr. Socorro is the president of Guardian First Consulting, a position he has held since 2025. Headquartered in Miami, his consulting firm specializes in providing clients with organizational assessments and online and in-person specialized training. He also hosts motivational speaking engagements.
From 2024 to 2025, Dr. Socorro was the director of international public safety training and development at Indian River State College. He previously served as the college’s dean of public service education between 2021 and 2024. During these years, Dr. Socorro played a pivotal role in shaping public safety curricula and fostering partnerships that enhanced training standards for law enforcement professionals.
Dr. Socorro also found success as the dean of the School of Justice, Public Safety and Law Studies at Miami Dade College from 2017 to 2020, following his tenure on campus as the director of the School of Justice, Public Safety and Law Studies between 2014 and 2017. His earlier academic experience included serving as a faculty member at Union Institute & University in 2013 and as an adjunct professor at Florida Memorial University from 2009 to 2012.
Pivoting from law enforcement to academia, Dr. Socorro began his career with the Miami Police Department in 1987 as a police officer, a role he held until 1999. He advanced through the ranks as a sergeant from 1999 to 2005, as a lieutenant and deputy NET commander between 2005 and 2007, as a downtown NET commander from 2007 to 2009, and as a communications commander between 2011 and 2013.
Dr. Socorro’s educational background began with an Associate of Arts from Miami Dade College in Miami, Florida, in 2001, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in organizational leadership from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Florida, in 2002. He also received a master’s degree in management from St. Thomas University in 2005 and a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Louisville in Louisville, Kentucky, in 2016. Furthering his education, Dr. Socorro earned a Doctor of Philosophy in organizational leadership and education from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, in 2012.
In addition to his formal education, Dr. Socorro received a graduate certificate in public management from St. Thomas University in 2005, a certificate from the Senior Management Institute for Policing through the Police Executive Research Forum in 2009, and a graduate certificate in police executive leadership from the University of Louisville in 2013. Moreover, he received a certified personal trainer credential through The Cooper Institute at Texas Tech University, a certified scuba diver credential through PADI, and a Class D security certification and law enforcement officer credential from the state of Florida.
Throughout his career, Dr. Socorro has been affiliated with professional and civic organizations. He is an active member of the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training, the International Police Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Executive Research Forum and the Southern Police Institute Alumni Association. He also notably served as the vice chair of the Florida Criminal Justice Educators Association. Dr. Socorro’s community involvement included contributions to organizations such as the Stellar Leadership Academy, Holtz Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Shriners Hospitals for Children. He also served as a reserve police officer for both the Miami and Sweetwater Police departments for more than a decade.
As an author, Dr. Socorro has published influential works in 2025 addressing critical issues within policing and public safety, including “Rebuilding Strategic Guardianship: The Future of Public Safety: Multi-Level Policing, Procedural Justice, and the Rebuilding of Trust” via GP Books, “The Stream of Homicidal Violence: Procedural Justice, Legitimacy and Multi-Level Policing Model” via B&N Global Publishing, and “Driven to Serve: The Psychology of Motivation in Policing” via Meridian Book Publisher. He has also contributed to various publications, including Scholars’ Press and Police One.
Among Dr. Socorro’s most meaningful achievements in law enforcement was transforming statewide training by integrating concepts such as de-escalation, procedural justice and impartial policing into law enforcement education. Throughout his tenure, he received close to 150 commendations for exemplary service, as well as several Officer Lifesaving Awards, Good Conduct Awards and Officer of the Month honors. He was also honored with proclamations from the city of Miami and received a certificate from Minnesota’s Senate in recognition of his contributions. While in college, Dr. Socorro received the Service Award from the University of Louisville, a distinction voted on by classmates in recognition of his significant contributions to their collective success. He attributes his achievements to unwavering determination and hard work, qualities that have propelled him through each stage of his career.
Looking ahead, Dr. Socorro seeks to serve as a role model who inspires future law enforcement officers and public safety agencies to uphold ethical conduct rooted in procedural fairness, transparency and community trust-building, emphasizing service above all else while encouraging kindness among those around him. Throughout his life’s work across policing, education and community service, he remains committed to leaving an enduring legacy defined by integrity, compassion and diligence, and to striving always to help others.
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