Describe the central argument of broken windows theory. Based on your critical thought, as well as other information that you have learned in this class, what might be some of the advantages and disadvantages to formulating criminal justice policy around this theory?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Just as unrepaired broken windows can signal to people that nobody cares about a building and lead to more serious vandalism, untended disorderly behavior can also signal that nobody cares about the community and lead to more serious disorder and crime. Such signals—untended property, disorderly persons, drunks, obstreperous youth, etc.—both create fear in citizens and attract predators. Deinstitutionalization of the mentally ill without adequate follow-up or community treatment facilities has added yet another population to an already existing homeless problem. The public wants the police to assist the mentally ill, the public inebriate, and the homeless (Finn & Sullivan, 1988, p. 1). Neighborhood disorder, drunks, panhandlers, youth gangs, and other incivilities unsettle a community; produce fear; and disrupt social, commercial, and political life.
A large decrease in crime in New York City in the nineties was attributed in part to a new policing policy of zero tolerance for previously ignored squeegee men (who try to wash car windows when drivers are stopped at traffic lights), aggressive panhandlers, subway turnstile hoppers, vagrants, and disorderly conduct. By enforcing small things, the police claim to have gotten a better handle on crime in general.
While much of the reduction in crime beginning in the 1990s was attributed to application of broken windows theory by its advocates, critics point out that other cities without a broken windows policy also experienced similar decreases during this period.