As a scholar at the forefront of contemporary criminology issues, Peter C. Kratcoski developed an international reputation. He was an emeritus professor of Justice Studies at Kent State University, where he also served as chairperson of the Criminal Justice Studies department from 1986 to 1996. A licensed social worker with extensive experience consulting for social service agencies, he brought to criminology a pragmatic approach founded in concern for the social welfare of individuals and communities. In over 100 articles and as author and collaborator upon several books, Kratcoski wrote on family violence and juvenile delinquency as well as on aging prison populations and community policing.

Earning his Ph.D from Pennsylvania State University, Kratcoski taught there as well as at the College of St. Thomas before joining the faculty at Kent State. As a social worker, he provided insights on severely dysfunctional families, including examinations of such issues as child abuse...