John J. Contino, J.D.

I view myself primarily as a facilitator of learning, rather than someone who simply delivers information to students. Personal contact with students is essential to my approach. I emphasize my availability for informal discussions and my willingness to help them sort out any problems they have with what they are learning.

My courses are designed to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. My students evaluate realistic scenarios by applying analytic frameworks, general course materials and criminal justice theories. I foster group interaction and management skills through frequent class discussions.

One of the principal skills required for students entering jobs related to criminology and criminal justice is the ability to solve problems, either individually or as a team member. It is through the application of knowledge that students develop clear understanding of the materials. I provide students with the necessary information and help them develop the analytic skills required for successful careers in this field.

John J. Contino is an associate professor of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security Management at Central Penn College.

Prior to his academic career, Contino had a long and distinguished career in public service. At the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission, he first served as general counsel and then was appointed two years later as executive director. Previous positions include counsel to the Pennsylvania Crime Commission on matters relating to organized crime and public corruption investigations, assistant attorney general for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and assistant district attorney in the City of Philadelphia.

Contino received a bachelor’s from Villanova University and his juris doctor from the University of Miami School of Law. He is admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania; the United States District Court, Eastern District of Pennsylvania; United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit; the United States District Court; Western District of Pennsylvania; and the Supreme Court of New Jersey.

As director of the Ethics Commission, Contino oversaw the administrative and enforcement responsibilities of the agency for more than 27 years. He successfully litigated numerous matters, both at the administrative trial and appellate levels. Several of these cases resulted in precedent-setting decisions involving the constitutional separation of powers principle.

He has lectured extensively on government ethics, lobbying regulations and related topics throughout the country. He has traveled to numerous countries on behalf of the U. S. government regarding anti-corruption and government transparency efforts. He also has conducted training and evaluation programs for government officials from Thailand, Lithuania and Estonia, and the Council of Europe’s anti-corruption body GRECO.

Officials from New Jersey and Tennessee requested Contino’s assistance in developing government reform measures in those states. He received the Council on Governmental Ethics Laws’ Outstanding Service Award for his contributions in the fields of government ethics and lobbying regulation. He also has received similar recognition from various government associations. In 2010, Mr. Contino received the international “COGEL Award” for his significant, demonstrable and positive contributions to the field of ethics.