In this episode of the Reducing Crime podcast, host Jerry Ratcliffe interviews Marcus Felson, a professor of Criminal Justice at Texas State University and the originator of the routine activities approach to crime. Felson discusses the origins and importance of the routine activities theory in crime prevention. He emphasizes the need for simplicity and clarity in criminology research and criticizes mainstream criminologists for their vague and confusing conceptualizations. Felson also discusses the practical applications of his theory, such as the design and management of the nighttime economy and the issue of outsiders camouflaging the crimes of insiders. He encourages students and practitioners to focus on narrow, practical problems and to provide useful advice rather than getting caught up in grand theories and policies.

#16 (Marcus Felson)

A discussion on Policing & Family Harm with:
-Commander Alex Murray OBE, MSt (Cantab), Metropolitan Police Service and Chair of the Society of Evidence-Based Policing (UK)
-Superintendent Dave Cowan MSt (Cantab), Victoria Police and President, Australia-New Zealand Society of Evidence-Based Policing
-Simon Williams MSt (Cantab), and the team at New Zealand Police Evidence Based Policing Centre
-Renee Mitchell PhD, President of the American Society of Evidence-Based Policing 
-Inspector Dan Jones, Edmonton Police and member of the Research Advisory Committee of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police 
-Deputy Chief Constable Louisa Rolfe, West Midlands Police and National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Domestic Abuse for England & Wales
-Assistant Commissioner ç, Family Violence Command Victoria Police 
-Inspector Natasha Allen, New Zealand Police National Lead for Family Violence and Safer Whanau (Families)
-Anthony Morgan, Research Manager for the Serious and Organised Crime Research Lab, Australian Institute of Criminology

Societies of Evidence Based Policing

Policing & Family Harm:International Perspectives on the response to COVID-19

A monthly podcast featuring conversations with influential thinkers in the police service and leading crime and policing researchers working to advance public safety. Often amusing, often enlightening, always informative. Jerry Ratcliffe (professor and former police officer) chats to a range of international guests covering police, policing, crime science, criminology, criminal justice, and public safety policy. Details and transcripts at reducingcrime.com/podcast.

#16 (Marcus Felson)

Reducing Crime

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