Crim Psych Topic 5: Crime Prevention Flashcards
Key Research: Wilson and Kelling - The police and neighbourhood safety: broken windows
Broken Windows Theory:
If a window is left unprepared this can lead to further disorder and more serious crimes as it is a sign that no-one in the community cares. This increases fear in the community and this then escalates into further disorder and the way to reduce crime is to address the minor disorders before it escalates.
Newark, New Jersey Project:
This is a programme involving putting more officers on foot into the stress and this was unpopular with the police chief as it reduces their mobility and response time to callouts. After 5 years - a review showed that there was no decrease in crime rates. However, the positives were that in the areas of patrolled police, the residents felt more safe and secure
Suggestions for the police:
- Wilson and Kelling states that the police should focus more on maintaining order rather than fighting crimes once they happen
- citizens can help increase public order through community groups such as the Guardian Angels in New York but the police must take responsibility by increasing foot patrols in communities
