Analysis of Broken Windows
Analysis of Broken WindowsBy: JFK
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Wilson and Kelling�s article �Broken Windows� is an interesting take on crime prevention and the psychology surrounding it. There take on crime prevention�s strays from the idea of police allocation based on crime rate and the use of foot patrol versus the use of squad car patrol. The thesis offered by Wilson and Kelling in the article �Broken Windows� is that �we must return to our long-abandoned view that the police ought to protect communities as well as individuals� (Wilson 15). Wilson and Kelling offer many suggestions on how to prevent crime and how to deal with it when it happens. Their analogy using broken windows is a good example of a way to prevent crime. �The sense of mutual regard and the obligations of civility are lowered by actions that seem to signal that no one cares� (Wilson 6). They determine that if it appears as though no one cares then crime similar in nature will occurs much more frequently and to a greater extent. An example of that idea evolving graffiti was illustrated in the article, �The proliferation of graffiti, even when not obscene, confronts the subway rider with the �inescapable knowledge that the environment he must endure for an hour or more a day is uncontrolled and uncontrollable, and that anyone can invade it to do whatever damage and mischief the mind suggests�� (Wilson 7). The graffiti, in this case, is not dangerous or even necessarily offensive. What remains is the feeling that this is untamed area and subject to those who do not obey the law. This is not a violent crime, nor does it cause anyone direct harm. However, Wilson and Kelling maintain that this is only the beginning or a gateway to more serious and daunting crime. Wilson and Kelling draw the same conclusion about the street panhandler. If they are not dealt with, more serious criminals like muggers and robbers believe they have a better chance getting away with crime in an area where potential victims are being bothered and annoyed by a beggar. Another suggestion made by the authors is that foot patrol officers have many advantages over that of a patrol car. It was their contention that a policeman on foot may not be as mobile or be able to be reached as easily, but a police officer on foot made those around him or her more comfortable and at ease then one in a car. �The door and the window exclude the approaching citizen; they are a barrier� (Wilson 9). While in a car the police officer looks more menacing, especially to a group of youths. Instead of approaching the youth and his friends at a personal level the cop instead rolls down his window. Wilson and Kelling claim that this action also effects the way they speak to potential �troublemakers�. Instead of speaking on even terms, they often take too much of an authoritative tone and cause negative reactions by those...
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