Michael Pittaro Ph.D.

About

Dr. Michael Pittaro is an Associate Professor of Criminal Justice at American Military University. Before pursuing a career in higher education, Dr. Pittaro worked in corrections administration; served as the executive director of an outpatient drug and alcohol facility; and as the executive director of a crime prevention agency. He has 35 years of experience and education in criminal justice and continues to serve internationally as a sought-after author, presenter, and subject matter expert.

Dr. Pittaro holds a Ph.D. in criminal justice; an MPA in public administration, and a BS in criminal justice. Among his nearly 200 publications, including five book publications, he is the author of the 2024 highly-rated book, Contemporary Corrections, and is currently the author of Special Populations in Corrections (anticipated date of publication: March 2025). His areas of expertise are in corrections, namely correctional leadership, and in providing education and awareness of suicide among criminal justice professionals. He is a QPR-certified suicide prevention facilitator and has a master’s certification in emotional intelligence.

He resides in Lower Saucon Township, Pennsylvania with his wife and their 5 children.

Books by Michael Pittaro Ph.D.

Recent Posts

From Asylums to Prisons and Jails: A Failed Social Policy

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

Female Inmates: Overlooked and Often Forgotten

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

Are Black Cops Always Better for Black Communities?

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

Why Aren't Compassionate Release Laws Used More?

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

The Science Behind Trauma-Informed Yoga in Corrections

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

Yoga as a Stress-Reducer for Corrections Professionals

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

Prison Corruption: A Glimpse Into Manipulation Tactics

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

Ex-Prisoners Deserve a Second Chance

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

Why Did Violent Crime Surge in 2021?

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.

Acknowledging 'Missing White Woman Syndrome'

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