Department of Criminal Justice

Professor Castelli came to Iona after a 22 year career in law enforcement, starting as a State Constable in the State of South Carolina and culminating with a 21 year career in the New York State Police, where he served with the elite Special Investigations Unit and the New York State Organized Crime Task Force. He previously served in the United States Army and is a combat veteran of the Vietnam War. He is serving as Department Chair from 2005. He lectures on a wide variety of criminal justice and security-related subjects; to include: Criminal Investigation, Organized Crime, White Collar Crime, Terrorism, Security Management and Police Procedures.

Professor Castelli is a graduate of Palmer College, the State University of New York and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, where he was named a Picket Fellow in Criminal Justice Policy and Management by the National Institute of Justice in recognition of his contributions to the law enforcement community for over two decades. He is a nationally recognized expert on criminal justice and security matters and has provided expert commentary to the television, radio and print media over 350 times in the past several years. Additionally, as a professional Security Consultant, he holds certifications as a Certified Frauds Examiner, Crime Prevention Specialist, Certified Criminal Analyst, Certified Protection Professional, Certified Police and Security Officer Instructor, Certified Firearms Instructor and licensed and bonded Private Investigator.