The Volkan Topalli Interview

Getting shot draws attention. Knowing why people kill will keep attention.

Volkan Topalli is a criminologist of the first water. No desk-bound academic, the Georgia State postdoc and professor specializes in conversations with criminals. Not “criminal suspects.” Not “convicted felons in jail.” He talks to guys on the street getting ready to hit a lick. It is impossible research borne of carefully-cultivated relationships and s…