In this episode of the Reducing Crime podcast, host Jerry Ratcliffe interviews Thomas Abt, a senior research fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Abt discusses his recent book, "Bleeding Out: The Devastating Consequences of Urban Violence--and a Bold New Plan for Peace in the Streets," and the importance of translating academic research into evidence-based policy advice. They also discuss the challenges of implementing comprehensive anti-violence plans in cities and the need for more action-oriented practitioner-researcher partnerships. Abt emphasizes the importance of focusing on solutions and problem-solving rather than winning arguments. He also discusses his future plans to continue influencing policy and working in both academia and government.

In this episode of the Reducing Crime podcast, host Jerry Ratcliffe interviews Professor Lawrence Sherman, director of the Cambridge Centre for Evidence-Based Policing at the University of Cambridge. They discuss executive police education, harm-focused victimization, and the use of algorithms in policing. Professor Sherman also talks about the police constable degree apprenticeship program and the challenges of implementing evidence-based policing in the US. He emphasizes the importance of education and the need to explain the value and legitimacy of using science in policing. Professor Sherman believes that pracademics, individuals who combine practical experience with academic knowledge, can play a crucial role in driving evidence-based policing forward.

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.

In this episode of the Reducing Crime podcast, host Jerry Ratcliffe interviews Dr. Ella Cockbain, an Associate Professor in the Department of Security and Crime Science at University College London. They discuss the challenges of tackling human trafficking, labor exploitation, and sexual exploitation. Dr. Cockbain highlights the complexities and misconceptions surrounding trafficking, emphasizing the need for accurate definitions and evidence-based responses. She also discusses the unintended consequences of legislation and policies aimed at combating trafficking, which can inadvertently harm vulnerable populations. The conversation touches on the role of law enforcement, the importance of engaging with sex worker organizations, and the need for comprehensive research to inform effective strategies.

Sir Denis O'Connor has been in British policing for over 50 years and a leader for nearly two decades. Across a variety of roles, he has been at the center of a number of significant high-profile reviews. We discuss police careerists, the growth of oversight regimes, and the need for a plan to win. There's also some reflection on the former prevalence of violence at weddings in the east end of London.

Dr. Renee Mitchell is a sergeant in the Sacramento police department, California, and a co-founder and current president of the American Society of Evidence-Based Policing. In a wide-ranging chat, we explore the myriad ways research can help 21st century policing. We also cover her Sacramento Hot Spots Experiment, how policing research is like following the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing and its lack of evidence base, "Make it stop" policing, and the lack of science around police-involved shootings.

In this episode of the Reducing Crime podcast, host Jerry Ratcliffe interviews Dr. Ian Hesketh, the Wellbeing Lead at the UK College of Policing and the Senior Responsible Owner for the National Police Wellbeing Service in the UK. They discuss the importance of officer wellness and resiliency in the face of mounting challenges in the police service. They also touch on the concept of "leaveism," where officers use their personal vacation time instead of taking sick leave, and the need for line managers to be central to officer wellbeing. The episode highlights the need for organizations to support and prioritize the mental and physical health of their officers.

Rob Briner is Professor of Organizational Psychology in the School of Business and Management at Queen Mary University of London. He tells me about the vital role of accountability in pushing evidence-based practice, the appeal of apparent simplicity and good intentions that can trap people in harmful responses, the three words managers can't seem to say, and the idea of watchful waiting.

Jerry Ratcliffe interviews Geoff Barnes, the director of criminology for the Western Australia police force. They discuss the importance of evidence-based policing and the role of senior leadership in making it sustainable. Barnes shares his experiences working with police departments and highlights the challenges of implementing evidence-based practices. He emphasizes the need for police-led experiments and the involvement of academics in supporting these initiatives. The conversation also touches on the difficulties of accessing research literature and the importance of critical thinking when reviewing studies.

Jerry Ratcliffe interviews Charis Kubrin, a professor at the University of California, Irvine, about her research on California Proposition 47. Proposition 47 is a law that reduces some non-violent, non-serious crimes to misdemeanors. Kubrin's research found that Proposition 47 had no significant impact on violent crime and may have had a small impact on motor vehicle theft and larceny. However, she emphasizes the need for further research and analysis to fully understand the effects of the law. Kubrin also discusses the controversy and criticism her research has received, particularly from law enforcement organizations and political opponents of criminal justice reform.