Criminal Psychology- Wilson And Kelling Flashcards
What was the aim used in Wilson and Kellings study?
Challenge beliefs about fear of crime and role of police
What was the sample used in Wilson and Kelling’s study?
It was a discussion that proposes a theory of neighbourhood safety and crime- so no particular sample. Authors make reference to Newark Foot Patrol
What was the design used in Wilson and Kelling’s study?
The authors consider Newark as a case study- in depth.
Kelling got involved in a naturalistic participant observation of police officers.
Kelling observed their interaction with members of the community around Newark.
What we’re the results found in Wilson and Kelling’s study?
Found that existing attitudes towards foot patrol were negative. After 5 years- residents said they felt crime had been reduced. Foot patrol officers had job satisfaction.
W&K suggest that police vehicles were a physical and mental barrier to engaging with members of the community.
What research did Wilson and Kelling’s include in their study?
Defensible space- Newman
Zero tolerance policing- Bratton- police commissioner
What is defensible space by Newman?
Belonging to a particular person/ group of people
Trees, benches- ownership
One point entry
What is zero tolerance policing?
Dealing with all crimes. Address all criminal acts- police tackle even lowest levels of crime. Low intensity. Based on the broken windows effect- Bratton.
What is the broken windows effect? And what study was used?
When one window is smashed and left unrepaired, should expect the rest of the windows to be broken soon.
Zimbardo (1969). Abandoned car, no license plate, abandoned in a rough city centre. And a comparable vehicle in a more up market area - this car remained untouched for weeks. When Zimbardo damaged it, within hours, the car had been vandalised.
What we’re the conclusions found form Wilson and Kelling’s study?
1- the relationship between low level and serious crime can be understood using the broken windows metaphor.
2- public order should be created and maintained collaboratively by police and the community.
What is at least ONE strategy for crime prevention?
Target hardening- makes the target harder- look more difficult and less attractive for offenders eg bike locks.
Creating defensible space- ownership and responsibility- benches, fences, electronic access to buildings.
Increasing risk of detection- relates to Crowes recommendations- of defensible space- eg neighbourhood watch, safety alarms, CCTV, street lighting.
What was the ethics in Wilson and Kelling’s study?
Zero tolerance- fair approach. However disregards personal circumstances. Can lead to brutal treatment.
I’m crime prevention- CCTV and tracking and monitoring - data recorded
What was the usefulness of research in Wilson and Kelling’s study?
Safety measures are outlined- locking doors, avoid poorly lit roads, install alarms
Applications in improving conditions in society. However, research is difficult to interpret accurately- response bias.
How does the individual/ situational debate fit in with Wilson and Kelling’s study?
Almost everything relies on situational.
Eg- defensible space- relies on features of environment.
- zerotolerance and broken windows- consider the community as a whole.
