The “Failure to Fix Broken Windows”

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In March of 1982, George L. Kelling and James Q. Wilson wrote an article titled “Broken Windows.” In this article Kelling and Wilson introduced their Broken Windows theory. The metaphor used to explain this theory goes like this; say there is a building and it has a few broken windows. If the windows aren’t replaced, it invites vandals to continue breaking windows because it suggests that no one cares for the well being of the building. Continuous destruction of the windows may lead to more severe vandalism, such as breaking and entering, graffiti, fires, etc. So the broken windows create a snowball effect of vandalism, which could cause the surrounding homes and buildings to be subject to such vandalism as well. Kelling and Wilson believed that crime is a direct result of disorder, and if disorder were eliminated, then serious crime would cease as well. A community full of disorder creates a sense of fear. That fear causes people to withdraw from the community causing a weakening of social controls Neighborhoods become vulnerable, allowing criminals to continue to commit serious crimes. This cycle will keep going unless there is action taken to improve the quality of run-down communities. Kelling and Wilson conclude that in order to know what action to take one must understand the “causal chain,” found in the textbook. “Disorder caused by disreputable people → breakdown in informal control → invasion of predatory criminals → high crime rates in the neighborhood.” The only way to put an end to the cycle is to eliminate the beginning factor, which starts with prohibition of public disorganization. The only institution that can enforce this action, according to Kelling and Wilson, are the police. They are responsible for controlling the deviants and ensuring that appropriate measures are being taken to protect the community from their

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