The Crime and Justice Doctor

Psychiatry

From Asylums to Prisons and Jails: A Failed Social Policy

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on July 4, 2024

The challenges associated with incarcerating mentally ill individuals highlight the urgent need for systemic changes in the U.S. criminal justice system.

The challenges associated with incarcerating mentally ill individuals highlight the urgent need for systemic changes in the U.S. criminal justice system.

Law and Crime

Female Inmates: Overlooked and Often Forgotten

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on August 10, 2023

Women represent approximately 7% of the U.S. correctional population. Are we doing enough to prepare them for community reentry?

Women represent approximately 7% of the U.S. correctional population. Are we doing enough to prepare them for community reentry?

Bias

Are Black Cops Always Better for Black Communities?

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on February 14, 2023

Increasing the percentage of Black police officers is a step in the right direction but is not the panacea to resolving police violence.

Increasing the percentage of Black police officers is a step in the right direction but is not the panacea to resolving police violence.

Addiction

Why Aren't Compassionate Release Laws Used More?

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on January 16, 2023

The recidivism rate of adults over 65 is only 4 percent—yet existing compassionate release laws are rarely used.

The recidivism rate of adults over 65 is only 4 percent—yet existing compassionate release laws are rarely used.

Trauma

The Science Behind Trauma-Informed Yoga in Corrections

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on September 11, 2022

Trauma-informed yoga serves as a unique yet effective therapeutic approach to reducing correctional officer stress.

Trauma-informed yoga serves as a unique yet effective therapeutic approach to reducing correctional officer stress.

Stress

Yoga as a Stress-Reducer for Corrections Professionals

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on August 16, 2022

Yoga is a therapeutic approach to stress reduction for correctional officers and administrators.

Yoga is a therapeutic approach to stress reduction for correctional officers and administrators.

Ethics and Morality

Prison Corruption: A Glimpse Into Manipulation Tactics

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on May 11, 2022

The elaborate prison escape plan in Alabama could have been avoided if standard prison policies weren't breached.

The elaborate prison escape plan in Alabama could have been avoided if standard prison policies weren't breached.

Cognition

Ex-Prisoners Deserve a Second Chance

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on April 25, 2022

Formerly incarcerated persons deserve a second chance in society after serving their prison sentences.

Formerly incarcerated persons deserve a second chance in society after serving their prison sentences.

Law and Crime

Why Did Violent Crime Surge in 2021?

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on January 13, 2022

There are many plausible explanations for the recent increase in U.S. violent crime rates. But the profound impact of the COVID pandemic cannot be discounted.

There are many plausible explanations for the recent increase in U.S. violent crime rates. But the profound impact of the COVID pandemic cannot be discounted.

Media

Acknowledging 'Missing White Woman Syndrome'

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on October 20, 2021

Confronting race and gender disparity in missing person cases requires that we raise awareness of "Missing White Woman Syndrome."

Confronting race and gender disparity in missing person cases requires that we raise awareness of "Missing White Woman Syndrome."

Addiction

From Homeless Addict to University Graduate With Honors

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on October 15, 2021

There is no greater power and support you can give someone than to say, "Your life matters."

There is no greater power and support you can give someone than to say, "Your life matters."

Suicide

Understanding the Men Who Die by Suicide

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on August 2, 2021

A psychological autopsy is often the most effective tool for providing answers in the wake of a suicide.

A psychological autopsy is often the most effective tool for providing answers in the wake of a suicide.

Fear

Coercive Control: Entrapped by Fear

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on July 9, 2021

Coercive control is a calculated form of psychological abuse used by perpetrators in which subjugation, intimidation, and fear are used as weapons to dominate their victims.

Coercive control is a calculated form of psychological abuse used by perpetrators in which subjugation, intimidation, and fear are used as weapons to dominate their victims.

Trust

Criminal Justice Change Agent: Friend or Foe?

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on July 2, 2021

Criminal justice "change agents" want to address racial, class, and gender disparities at every stage of the criminal justice system, from policing to corrections. Here's how they can get started.

Criminal justice "change agents" want to address racial, class, and gender disparities at every stage of the criminal justice system, from policing to corrections. Here's how they can get started.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Why COVID-19 Has Led to a Rise in Intimate Partner Violence

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on March 11, 2021

Hidden within the shadows, victims of intimate partner violence suffer in isolated silence during the lockdown.

Hidden within the shadows, victims of intimate partner violence suffer in isolated silence during the lockdown.

Suicide

The Harmful Consequences of Labeling Police Officers

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on December 1, 2020

Police officers are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

Police officers are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty.

Play

Integrating Racial Concerns into Criminal Justice Curricula

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on August 27, 2020

Reforming the criminal justice system through higher education.

Reforming the criminal justice system through higher education.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Crisis Fatigue and the COVID-19 Pandemic

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on August 10, 2020

Are you feeling depressed, anxious, and exhausted adjusting to our "new normal"?

Are you feeling depressed, anxious, and exhausted adjusting to our "new normal"?

Law and Crime

Reducing Crime by Addressing Criminogenic Risk Factors

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on June 22, 2020

We must redirect our attention, resources, and efforts toward community-based crime prevention strategies.

We must redirect our attention, resources, and efforts toward community-based crime prevention strategies.

Compassion Fatigue

Correctional Officers and Compassion Fatigue

Michael Pittaro Ph.D. on March 24, 2020

Will the COVID-19 pandemic place correctional officers at an increased risk of compassion fatigue?

Will the COVID-19 pandemic place correctional officers at an increased risk of compassion fatigue?