David Polizzi

David Polizzi is a Professor in the School of Criminology and Security Studies at Indiana State University, part of the College of Arts & Sciences. His academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Psychology from Duquesne University (2002), with a focus on phenomenological analysis of racism, and prior degrees in Psychology and International Affairs. Polizzi’s research bridges criminology, philosophy, and psychology, emphasizing existential perspectives on crime, justice ethics, and social justice. He explores themes like anti-black racism, solitary confinement ethics, terrorism’s phenomenology, and restorative justice through a critical lens.

His scholarship spans over 20 years, with notable works analyzing Malcolm X’s autobiography for anti-black racism’s lived experience, critiquing prison ethics, and deconstructing general strain theory. He has authored/co-authored multiple books and chapters, including A Phenomenological Hermeneutic of Anti-black Racism and Solitary Confinement: Lived Experiences and Ethical Implications. Polizzi actively contributes to academic service, serving on committees like the Faculty Affairs Committee and Indiana Department of Correction advisory roles.

Polizzi’s research trends focus on interdisciplinary critiques of criminal justice systems, ethical dilemmas in corrections, and the intersection of philosophy with criminological theory. His recent work addresses modern issues like pre-crime societies and the phenomenology of violence, reflecting a commitment to societal critique and reform.

He has advised on forensic practices and policy, collaborating on suicide-by-cop legal frameworks and restorative justice initiatives. Polizzi’s academic service includes roles in curriculum development and IRB oversight, underscoring his dedication to institutional integrity and ethical scholarship.