what is the broken windows theory? and how does it relate to policing?

Answer 1

When a cop wants to illegally enter and search a residence he breaks the window. This gives him probable cause to "investigate" and any evidence he turns up becomes miraculously legal.

Answer 2

Broken Windows Theory Essay

Answer 3

The idea is that the state has a vested interest in keeping an area attractive because if it has too many "broken windows," it will attract crime. The argument has been used to shut down porn shops and strip clubs, among other things. It's not a bad idea, but it is open to some pretty loose interpretation, and the police will push it. Can the police, for example, stop young black or hispanic men from hanging out on street corners because it might encourage gang attacks? It's tricky.

Answer 4

In short, the broken windows theory says that in a rundown area, such as one with trash, graffiti, broken windows, etc., there will be more crime because of how it looks. This is in comparison to an upbeat, clean neighborhood. This relates to policing because more crime may happen in rundown neighborhoods because criminals may believe the area is cared for or patrolled because of the looks. The crime rate may be higher.

Answer 5

Basically, if you address the small piddling stuff, like broken windows, graffiti, trash, pan handlers, it sends a message that the police/city/neighbors care and a paying attention.

Conversely, if you allow the little stuff to remain unaddressed, it will progress to bigger things overlooked, sliding down the slippery slope. And it sends a message that quality of life in these depressed areas is unimportant.

Answer 6

This explanation of the "broken window" theory was written by Henry G. Cisneros when he was Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. It was published in a series of essays titled "Defensible Space: Deterring Crime and Building Community" - January 1995.

James Q. Wilson and George Kelling developed the `broken windows' thesis to explain the signaling function of neighborhood characteristics. This thesis suggests that the following sequence of events can be expected in deteriorating neighborhoods. Evidence of decay (accumulated trash, broken windows, deteriorated building exteriors) remains in the neighborhood for a reasonably long period of time. People who live and work in the area feel more vulnerable and begin to withdraw. They become less willing to intervene to maintain public order (for example, to attempt to break up groups of rowdy teens loitering on street corners) or to address physical signs of deterioration.

Sensing this, teens and other possible offenders become bolder and intensify their harassment and vandalism. Residents become yet more fearful and withdraw further from community involvement and upkeep. This atmosphere then attracts offenders from outside the area, who sense that it has become a vulnerable and less risky site for crime.

The "broken window" theory suggests that neighborhood order strategies such as those listed below help to deter and reduce crime.

* Quick replacement of broken windows
* Prompt removal of abandoned vehicles
* Fast clean up of illegally dumped items, litter and spilled garbage
* Quick paint out of graffiti
* Finding (or building) better places for teens to gather than street corners
* Fresh paint on buildings
* Clean sidewalks and street gutters