LAW - CRIMINOLOGY

Summation and Critique on “Broken Windows” by Wilson and Kelling

Summation and Critique on “Broken Windows” by Wilson and Kelling

Introduction

“Broken Windows” is an article by Wilson and Kelling emphasise on law and order, crime preclusion and psychology, as well. The idea of crime preclusion drifts from the idea of policing based on the crime rate and the use of “foot patrol” is in opposition to the “car patrol.” It gives an idea that we should go back to our long abandoned vision that the police must look after communities and individuals, as well. The authors have suggested several ways to stop crime and managing crime at the time of its occurrence. Their resemblance using “broken windows” is a fine paradigm of an idea to avoid undisciplined people. The common view and commitment to good manners is reduced by deeds which appear to an indication “no one cares.” They concluded that if the signal “no one cares” occurs then the rate of crime will increase to a greater level. After five years of implementation of “Safe and Clean Neighbourhoods” program, the skepticism of police chiefs proved to be right, and it appeared in the evaluation done by the Police foundation in Washington D.C.

Discussion

“Broken windows” theory was established to deal with the prevention of crime and maintain law and order in a civilised society. The theory hypothesised that if communities fail to avoid nefarious activities seriously, then it will provide criminals a potential opportunity, and as a result, more violent crimes would occur. The small crimes include drunker lies down on stoops, drinking in the main intersection and panhandling (2002). The theory also revealed that when one window in a building is broken, then there are chances that other windows might also got broke in some time. This concept gave an idea that if there is one criminal living in a community, then he or she could have brought other criminals and unlawful individuals in the community. This concept is also an indication of “no one cares.” To overcome with this community breakdown, the “broken windows” theory signifies on harsh punishments as the most helpful detergent to put off additional crimes (2002). This theory also notifies that perceptible disorder promotes additional crime and necessitates wide implication of several public regulation and law which forbid trivial transgressions. This theory was strongly adopted by a well known mayor of “New York City”, “Rudolph Giuliani”, who was elected at the time when New York was known for its soaring crime, paucity and deprived educational structure. Giuliani was very enthusiastic and devoted to himself in bringing a change in his community. He is also known for taking an exceptionally difficult stand on misdemeanour. With the assistance of police commissioner, he started a campaign called “Quality of life.” It targeted on lawbreakers crossing on a roadway, people who botched suitably to strap their dogs whilst walking them in breach of the relevant regulation and those rowdy individuals who strolled on the streets of New York with their ...