#16 (Marcus Felson)
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.