Broken Windows Theory Essay

BROKEN WINDOWS THEORY 2

Broken Windows Theory

The “Broken Windows Theory” is a theory regarding the acts of crime and their causes. This theory has acquired a wide spread of support and contains various strengths and weaknesses.   James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling first introduced the broken windows theory in March of 1982 in “The Atlantic” magazine.   They portrayed the description of how a building with a broken window can transmit a message to the public that the building is not cared for properly.   Eventually from neglecting that issue one broken window then evolves into numerous other broken windows.   This disorder is then left unattended which will clearly suggest that no one cares about the problem.   From that point the degenerates of the streets become attracted to that particular area and this invites further disorder and more serious crimes to appear.

Policing in neighborhoods should be based on an understanding of the connection between order maintenance and crime prevention.   This implies that if disorderly behaviors in public places such as petty vandalism, begging, vagrancy, prostitution, drug dealing, loitering and murder are regulated then a significant drop in serious crime will follow.   The Broken Windows Theory was applied to Times Square in New York City which is an example of success.   Times Square was once overwhelmed with crimes including prostitution and illegal street activities amongst others. Due to these implications the area began to fall apart.   From the concept that maintaining order will help prevent crime, Times Square was able to convert from an awful state of being to a pleasant one.   The act of cracking down on the smaller issues will

BROKEN WINDOWS THEORY 3

create a lot of the more serious crimes to disperse.   This is displayed throughout the use of the Broken Windows Theory which will convince individuals there can be improvement in our area.

The idea is simple and compelling.   A broken...