Broken Windows Theory
Broken windows is a theory introduced in the 70’s and 80’s to examine the problem with rising criminal activity. The theory looks at areas in a city plagued with structures vandalized with graffiti, broken windows, unmaintained properties, and poor lighting (Swanson, 2017). The core of the theory is surrounded by physical and social dysfunction leading to the fear of crime thus leading community members to leave to other communities (Chappell, 2011).
The methods employed by police in the 70’s included the policy of zero-tolerance-policing (ZTP). This style of policing included making an arrest in trouble areas for everything from driving on suspended DL’s to seeking out individuals with drug possession. This style of policing has not come without
its controversy in the eye of the public. As a result of ZTP departments have seen an increased amount of citizen complaints, rise in lawsuits, and police misconduct (Swanson, 2017).
In contrast, in the 80’s a different approach to policing called Community Policing (CP) was developed. This style of policing looked at forming community partnerships with local civic leaders, religious organizations, and police departments. Theses partnerships when examined, showed that the police are not solely responsible for controlling criminal behavior or fighting crime. This responsibility also lies with the community members and support organizations. When looking at these two methods there are similarities and differences. In ZTP police spend most of their time “cracking” down on getting the offender off the street and into jail or prison. The CP method looks at the root of the problem. This is done by police officers interacting with community members and organizations to identify the reason why a particular area the community is having a problem (Swanson, 2017). A similarity shared by both programs is that they work towards reducing the fear of crime. The fear of crime simply put is an emotional response of feeling one is in danger of being a victim of a crime or the potential of being a victim.
The methods employed by police in the 70’s included the policy of zero-tolerance-policing (ZTP). This style of policing included making an arrest in trouble areas for everything from driving on suspended DL’s to seeking out individuals with drug possession. This style of policing has not come without
its controversy in the eye of the public. As a result of ZTP departments have seen an increased amount of citizen complaints, rise in lawsuits, and police misconduct (Swanson, 2017).
In contrast, in the 80’s a different approach to policing called Community Policing (CP) was developed. This style of policing looked at forming community partnerships with local civic leaders, religious organizations, and police departments. Theses partnerships when examined, showed that the police are not solely responsible for controlling criminal behavior or fighting crime. This responsibility also lies with the community members and support organizations. When looking at these two methods there are similarities and differences. In ZTP police spend most of their time “cracking” down on getting the offender off the street and into jail or prison. The CP method looks at the root of the problem. This is done by police officers interacting with community members and organizations to identify the reason why a particular area the community is having a problem (Swanson, 2017). A similarity shared by both programs is that they work towards reducing the fear of crime. The fear of crime simply put is an emotional response of feeling one is in danger of being a victim of a crime or the potential of being a victim.