Running Head: Broken Windows Theory in the Community 1

Broken Windows Theory in the Community

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Running Head: Broken Windows Theory in the Community 2

Broken Windows Theory in the Community

The "Broken Windows" theory is a criminological concept that was first proposed by James

Wilson and George Kelling in a 1982 article published in The Atlantic Monthly. The theory

suggests that visible signs of disorder, such as broken windows, graffiti, and other forms of

neglect and social disorder in a neighborhood, can lead to an increase in crime and antisocial

behavior. The authors argue that if these signs of disorder are left unaddressed, they can create an

environment that encourages further crime and deteriorates the quality of life in a community.

The "Broken Windows" theory proposes that by addressing and repairing these visible signs of

disorder, law enforcement can prevent the spread of crime and restore a sense of order and safety

in a community. The theory emphasizes the importance of proactive policing and community

engagement, rather than solely focusing on reactive law enforcement strategies.

The authors provide examples from various cities in the United States to support their theory.

They discuss how minor offenses, such as fare evasion in public transportation or public

drinking, if left unchecked, can lead to an environment of lawlessness and can embolden

criminals to commit more serious crimes (Ansfield, 2020). They argue that by addressing minor

offenses and maintaining visible order in public spaces, police can create an atmosphere of

lawfulness and deter crime from occurring in the first place.

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Wilson and Kelling propose that the police should focus on maintaining order and preventing

minor offenses, rather than just responding to serious crimes after they occur. They argue that

this proactive approach can help build trust between the police and the community, as it shows

that the police are actively working to prevent crime and improve the quality of life in the

neighborhood.

The authors also discuss the importance of community involvement in maintaining order. They

highlight the role of local residents in reporting and preventing disorderly behavior in their

neighborhoods. They argue that when communities take ownership of their neighborhoods and

work with the police, it can lead to more effective crime prevention efforts and a stronger sense

of community cohesion.

Furthermore, the authors emphasize the need for the police to exercise discretion and judgment

in enforcing laws and maintaining order. They argue that a one-size-fits-all approach to law

enforcement may not be effective, and that police officers should be given the authority to use

their judgment in handling minor offenses (Van der Weele et al., 2017). They caution against

over-policing or overly aggressive enforcement tactics, as these can erode trust between the

police and the community.

The "broken windows" theory proposes that maintaining visible order in public spaces and

addressing minor offenses can lead to a decrease in crime and an increase in community safety.

The authors argue that proactive policing, community involvement, and exercising discretion in

law enforcement can help create an environment of lawfulness and deter crime.

However, whether the "broken windows" theory would work in addressing current societal views

of police in a particular community depends on various factors. One key factor is the relationship
Running Head: Broken Windows Theory in the Community 4

between the police and the community (Harcourt et al., 2006). If there is already a history of

strained relations between the police and the community, simply focusing on minor offenses may

not be enough to rebuild trust. In such cases, efforts to address underlying issues, such as

systemic racism, bias, and inequality, may also be needed to improve community-police

relations.

Another factor to consider is the specific context of the community. Different communities have

different dynamics, demographics, and levels of crime. The effectiveness of the "broken

windows" theory may vary depending on these factors. For example, in communities where

poverty, lack of access to basic resources, and systemic disadvantages are prevalent, addressing

minor offenses alone may not fully address the underlying issues contributing to crime.

Additionally, it is important to consider the potential for disproportionate impact on certain

groups, such as marginalized communities or communities of color, due to the enforcement of

minor offenses. Over-policing and aggressive enforcement tactics can disproportionately affect

these communities and further exacerbate existing disparities in the criminal justice system.

In the context of police activity on the street, the "Broken Windows" theory has been used to

support the idea of proactive policing and strict enforcement of minor offenses, such as fare

evasion, loitering, and public drinking, as a way to prevent more serious crimes from occurring.

Proponents of the theory argue that by addressing visible signs of disorder and holding

individuals accountable for minor offenses, the police can create a sense of order and deter

criminal activity in a community.

However, the "Broken Windows" theory has also faced criticism. Critics argue that aggressive

policing of minor offenses can disproportionately impact communities of color and lead to over-
Running Head: Broken Windows Theory in the Community 5

policing, harassment, and the criminalization of poverty (Collins-Wells, 2022). They argue that

focusing on minor offenses can strain police-community relations, erode trust, and lead to

negative social and economic consequences for marginalized communities.

The question of whether police activity on the street should be shaped by the "Broken Windows"

theory is a complex and controversial issue. It requires careful consideration of various factors,

including the potential benefits of proactive policing in preventing crime, the impact of such

policing on communities, and the need to balance public safety with protecting civil liberties and

promoting social justice. It is important to engage in thoughtful and inclusive discussions,

involving input from communities, law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and other

stakeholders, to determine the best approach to policing and public safety in a given context.

In their influential article "Broken Windows," James Wilson and George Kelling argue that

while citizens play an important role in maintaining order in a community, the police are crucial

in ensuring order-maintenance. The authors use the metaphor of broken windows to describe

how visible signs of disorder, such as broken windows in abandoned buildings or graffiti, can

create an environment that invites further disorder and criminal behavior.

According to Wilson and Kelling, when minor offenses and signs of disorder are left unchecked,

they can lead to an increase in more serious crimes and a breakdown of social order. They argue

that the police are essential in preventing this escalation by actively addressing minor offenses

and maintaining a visible presence in the community. By enforcing laws and regulations, the

police send a signal that disorderly behavior will not be tolerated, which helps deter further

criminal activity.

In conclusion, whether the "Broken Windows" theory would work in a specific community to
address current societal views of police would depend on various factors, such as the social and
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cultural context of the community, the relationship between the police and the community, and
the effectiveness of implementation. While the theory has been influential in shaping policing
strategies in some communities, it has also been criticized for its potential for bias and
disproportionate targeting of minority communities. It is important to consider the unique
circumstances of a community and engage in open and inclusive discussions with stakeholders to
determine the most appropriate approach to addressing societal views of police.
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References

Ansfield, B. (2020). The broken Windows of the Bronx: putting the theory in its place. American

Quarterly, 72(1), 103-127.

Collings-Wells, S. (2022). From Black power to broken windows: Liberal philanthropy and the

carceral state. Journal of Urban History, 48(4), 739-759.

Harcourt, B. E., & Ludwig, J. (2006). Broken windows: New evidence from New York City and

a five-city social experiment. U. Chi. L. Rev., 73, 271.

Van der Weele, J. J., Flynn, M. P., & van der Wolk, R. J. (2017). Broken window

effect. Encyclopedia of Law and Economics New York: Springer.