Robert Parker joined the Miami-Dade Police Department in 1976, and was promoted through all the civil service ranks. On April 1, 2004, he was appointed as the first African-American Director of the Miami-Dade Police Department. He was employed with the Department for 33 distinguished years. Throughout his career he had experience in police management and operations, to include past assignments as
Division Chief of the North Operations Division and the Special Investigations Division, Major in charge of a district command, Police Bureau Commander in charge of the Economic Crimes and Strategic Investigations Bureau. He also worked in a variety of other investigative and uniformed police assignments as a Lieutenant, Master Sergeant, Sergeant, Corporal and Officer. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Barry University and a Master’s Degree from Nova Southeastern University. Director Parker also honorably served in the United States Army. Additionally, he was a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. His professional affiliations included the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, International Association Chiefs of Police (IACP), FBI National Executive Institute, FBI National Academy, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), Florida Chiefs of Police Association, Dade County Association of Chiefs of Police, 5000 Role Models and the Spirit of Christ Ministries, Inc., Member of the 200 Club (Miami). He was a lifetime member of the Progressive Officers Club (POC). POC named their building in the name of Robert L. Moreover, he received many commendations and awards for his service and dedication to our community and the Miami-Dade Police Department. His Legacy will continue through The Robert Parker Foundation, which was created to promote education and provide scholarship opportunities. Robert Parker is survived by his wife Veronica Buie Parker of 37 years and together they have three children, Kalika, Robert Jr., and Kyron.
