Giving Back: Empire State University Alumni Inspire New Police Officers

(SCHENECTADY, NY -- AUGUST 18, 2023) Two Empire State University graduates, Saratoga Springs Police Department Training Officer Travis Carter (’23) and City of Watervliet Police Chief Joseph Centanni (’16, ’19), shared their commitment to officer training and education last week with future graduates of the Zone 5 Regional Law Enforcement Training Center in Schenectady, NY.

Carter currently serves as the co-lead session counselor of the basic course for police officers, a 27 week, onsite, required training program that, upon completion, is pre-evaluated for 37 college credits at SUNY Empire. Knowing the value of this credit award, he invited Empire State University Advising Coordinator Diana Centanni, Ph.D., who served as his pre-enrollment advisor, and Chief Joseph Centanni, who served as his iPLA evaluator, to help extend the message to new officers who he hopes will take advantage of educational opportunities earlier in their careers.

“I wanted to pass on the value of my education to our young officers. Many have transfer credits, military training, and other professional accomplishments they can definitely use to earn their degree. I had a great experience and hope they will realize they can do it, too,” said Carter, who completed his Bachelor of Science degree in 2023.

Centanni, who also served as Zone 5 instructor and graduated from SUNY Empire with his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, reinforced the value of a college education for officers who may want to focus on future career opportunities upon retirement.  

“A formal education complements the practical skills and law-enforcement instruction that professionals develop throughout their career. Academic knowledge builds perspective, which supports a more well-rounded approach to 21st Century policing that then benefits the officer, the agency, and the neighborhoods they serve.”