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THE IMPACT OF BROKEN WINDOWS POLICING ON CRIME RATES AND CIVIL RIGHTS IN NEW YORK CITY Ashworth College Criminology Assignment 5 December 30 th 2023

Law enforcement policies are not mere directives but pillars that fundamentally shape the social fabric and safety of communities. The transformative impact of these policies becomes evident in the historical evolution of policing strategies. One pivotal moment in this evolution occurred during the 1990s in New York City, marked by the adoption of the broken windows theory (Wilson & Kelling, 1982). This essay delves into the intricacies of the broken windows theory, its implementation by the New York Police Department (NYPD), changes in stop-and- frisk practices, and the consequential civil rights issues that have become synonymous with this method of policing. The term itself "broken windows" was first introduced by James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling in 1982, encapsulating a theory that posits visible signs of disorder within a community contribute to an environment conducive to criminal activity (Wilson & Kelling, 1982). The metaphorical broken windows symbolize minor infractions and neglect that, left unaddressed, can lead to the deterioration of community safety. The theory advocates for a proactive, community-oriented policing strategy that targets minor offenses, with the belief that addressing such issues can prevent the escalation of criminal activities. The Broken Windows Theory, as conceptualized by Wilson and Kelling (1982), suggests that visible signs of disorder within a community contribute to an environment conducive to crime. This theory posits that addressing minor offenses and maintaining order can prevent the escalation of criminal activities, advocating for a proactive, community-oriented policing strategy to deter serious criminal behavior. In their seminal article, Wilson and Kelling (1982) argue that unchecked disorder leads to an increase in criminal behavior. They posit that addressing minor offenses and maintaining public order is essential for preventing the escalation of criminal activities. The Broken Windows Theory thus advocates for a proactive, community- oriented approach to policing.

In response to escalating crime rates during the 1990s, the NYPD adopted the Broken Windows Theory, emphasizing the importance of addressing minor offenses and maintaining public order (Kelling & Bratton, 1994). This approach involved increased police presence, strict enforcement of low-level offenses, and community engagement to build trust and cooperation (Kelling & Coles, 1996). The shift towards community-oriented policing marked a departure from traditional reactive strategies, redefining the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they served. Bratton (1994) emphasizes the transformative nature of this approach, asserting that proactive measures were essential in fostering a collaborative environment between law enforcement and the community. This collaborative model aimed to make the community an active participant in preventing crime, aligning with the principles of Broken Windows Policing. As Bratton (1994) outlines, this marked a significant shift in policing philosophy. The NYPD's adoption of Broken Windows Policing represented a commitment to fostering collaboration and trust between law enforcement and the community. The increased police presence and emphasis on addressing minor offenses were designed not only to prevent crime but also to redefine the role of law enforcement within the community. A notable consequence of implementing Broken Windows Policing was the significant increase in stop-and-frisk practices. This policy allowed officers to stop and search individuals deemed suspicious, even without probable cause, with the rationale of preventing potential criminal activity by intervening at the early stages of suspicious behavior. The number of stops in New York City fluctuated over the years. Initially considered instrumental in crime reduction, the stop-and-frisk policy faced criticism for disproportionately targeting minority communities (Gelman et al., 2007). Subsequent adjustments aimed to strike a balance between crime

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prevention and protecting civil liberties. Gelman et al. (2007) conducted an analysis of the New York City Police Department’s “Stop-and-Frisk” policy, highlighting concerns related to racial bias. This pivotal increase in stop-and-frisk practices reflected the NYPD's commitment to proactive crime prevention. However, the subsequent controversy surrounding the policy highlighted the need for a nuanced approach that addresses both public safety and civil rights concerns. Gelman et al.'s (2007) analysis revealed the complexities associated with the stop-and- frisk policy. While initially perceived as instrumental in crime reduction, the disproportionate impact on minority communities raised serious civil rights concerns. This scrutiny called for a reevaluation of the policy to ensure that crime prevention measures were effective and equitable. The implementation of broken windows policing in New York City raised civil rights concerns, particularly regarding its disproportionate impact on minority communities. Critics argued that the stop-and-frisk policy led to racial profiling and Fourth Amendment rights violations (Gelman et al., 2007). Legal challenges underscored the need to address potential abuses of power and ensure that law enforcement practices were effective and constitutionally sound. The ongoing debate surrounding the balance between public safety and civil rights continues to shape discussions on policing policies. This pivotal point in the narrative emphasizes the clash between crime prevention goals and the protection of individual rights. The legal challenges and public outcry reflect the tension between maintaining order and ensuring that law enforcement practices are equitable and respect constitutional rights. The legal challenges raised by critics of Broken Windows Policing underscore the need for a delicate balance between maintaining public safety and safeguarding civil liberties. The Fourth Amendment rights violations and allegations of racial profiling brought attention to the potential abuses of power associated with the stop-and-frisk policy (Gelman et al., 2007). These concerns

triggered legal scrutiny, highlighting the need for law enforcement policies to be not only effective in crime prevention but also constitutionally sound. The broken windows theory's implementation sparked a debate on its effectiveness and ethical implications. While proponents argue that it contributed to crime reduction, critics point to the social cost and potential erosion of civil liberties. Scholars like Sampson and Raudenbush (1999) emphasize the importance of understanding the broader social context when interpreting the impact of policing strategies. This pivotal evolution in perspectives highlights the dynamic nature of law enforcement policies. As criticisms mounted, the NYPD responded with reforms to address civil rights concerns. Increased oversight, bias reduction training, and transparent reporting mechanisms aimed to strike a balance between maintaining public safety and upholding individual rights (Kelling & Coles, 1996). Sampson and Raudenbush (1999) contribute to this evolving perspective by emphasizing the need to consider the broader social context when evaluating the impact of policing strategies. They argue that focusing solely on the effectiveness of Broken Windows Policing in crime reduction neglects the social cost and potential consequences, such as civil liberties erosion. This shift in perspective led to reforms within the NYPD. Increased oversight mechanisms, bias reduction training, and transparent reporting aimed to address the civil rights concerns raised by the implementation of Broken Windows Policing. The acknowledgment of the need for reforms reflects a commitment to ensuring that law enforcement practices are not only effective but also align with constitutional principles. In conclusion, the adoption of the broken windows theory significantly influenced law enforcement policies in 1990s New York City. While emphasizing the importance of addressing minor offenses for crime prevention, the increase in stops raised civil rights concerns. The

ongoing challenge lies in developing policies that effectively maintain public safety while respecting individual rights and promoting justice and equality for all. The evolution of perspectives on Broken Windows Policing underscores the complexity of balancing crime prevention goals with civil rights protection. Reforms within the NYPD reflect a commitment to addressing the criticisms and ensuring that law enforcement practices align with constitutional principles. The ongoing discourse surrounding this issue emphasizes the need for a nuanced and dynamic approach to law enforcement policies, one that adapts to the evolving understanding of crime, community, and justice.

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References Bureau of Justice Assistance, Kelling, G. L., & Bratton, W. J. (1994). Understanding Community Policing A Framework for Action . https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles/commp.pdf Gelman, A., Fagan, J., & Kiss, A. (2007). An Analysis of the New York City Police Department’s “Stop-and-Frisk” Policy in the Context of Claims of Racial Bias. Journal of the American Statistical Association , 102 (479), 813–823. https://doi.org/10.1198/016214506000001040 Kelling, G. L., & Coles, C. M. (1996). Kelling, G.L. and Coles, C.M. (1996) Fixing Broken Windows Restoring Order and Reducing Crime in Our Communities. Touchstone, Simon and Schuster, New York. - References - Scientific Research Publishing . Www.scirp.org. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=1212119 Sampson, R. J., & Raudenbush, S. W. (1999). APA PsycNet . Psycnet.apa.org. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2000-13177-001 Wilson, J. Q., & Kelling, G. L. (1982). Wilson, J. Q., & Kelling, G. L. (1982). Broken Windows. The Atlantic Monthly, 249, 29-38. - References - Scientific Research Publishing . Www.scirp.org. https://www.scirp.org/reference/ReferencesPapers?ReferenceID=1510117

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