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Alfonso Esquer, M.S.W., M.A.C.J.

Program Director for Criminal Justice
Assistant Professor Criminal Justice

Alfonso Esquer is the Program Director for Criminal Justice and a Professor in the program. After serving eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he began his law enforcement career with the Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration as a criminal investigator, special agent with his primary mission was to enforce the U.S. drug laws and investigate high scale domestic and international drug trafficking organizations. After 20 years in federal service he transitioned to a career in clinical mental health practices primarily focusing on the incarcerated and at-risk youth populations involved in the criminal justice system. He actively teaches and provides counseling services for those residing in detention facilities to inspire hope. He owns and operates a non-profit organization that provides reentry services to the post incarcerated and low-income and under-served communities.

He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Biola University, an M.A. in Criminal Justice and Security Management from Webster University and a second Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California.

Education

  • M.S.W. Social Work, University of Southern California

  • M.A., Criminal Justice, Webster University

  • B.A.,Psychology, Biola University

Courses Taught

  • SCJ4053: Restorative Justice
  • SCJ3013: Criminology
  • SCJ4003: Community Policing
  • SCJ4073: Seminar in Criminal Justice
  • SCJ4072: Internship in Criminal Justice

Experience in Field

  • Drug Enforcement Administration as a Criminal Investigator, Special Agent
  • Maricopa County Sheriff's Department (Deputized)
  • U.S. Marine Corps
  • Donovan State Prison Counselor and Mentor
  • George Bailey County Jail Counselor and Mentor
  • Otay Mesa Juvenile Detention Facility Counselor and Mentor
  • Mental Health Clinician

Professional and Community Involvement

  • Chaplain, Prison Ministry Leader, The Rock Church
  • Post-incarceration reentry services provider, CEO non-profit organization
  • Volunteer Clinical Counselor for Vulnerable Populations

Awards and Honors

  • Narcotics Officer of Year, Department of Justice 2008 & 2011
  • Restorative Justice Practitioner Community Leader Award NCRC