Week 2 (C) : ‘ZERO TOLERANCE’ POLICING

Question 1

Examine four key aspects of the ‘Broken Windows’ theory proposed by Wilson and Kelling in 1982.

Answer 1

Effectiveness of foot patrol

Links between disorder and crime

Spirals of decline

Community controls and order-maintenance policing

Question 2

What impact did policing have on crime rates in New York City from 1990 to 1997, with notable decreases in

homicide,
murder rate,
car theft
burglary and robbery
and rape?

Answer 2

• homicide 2,262 (1990) to 767 (1997) (-66%)
• murder rate 26.5/100,000 population (1993), 4/100,000 (2014)
• car theft (-70%)
• burglary & robbery (-61%)
• rape (-35%)

Question 3

What contributed to the decline in crime rates in New York City, including general trends in the early 1990s,

5 things

Answer 3

General crime drop across US cities from early 1990s
economic trends
demographic shifts
imprisonment
drugs markets (decline in crack cocaine)
policing

Question 4

Describe key aspects of Zero Tolerance in Britain

limited …

influence of …

symbolic use of ..

broader changes

Answer 4

Limited applications in policing policy

Influence of ‘Broken Windows’ ideas in the broader political arena

Symbolic use of Zero Tolerance terminology, notably associated with Tony Blair and ‘New Labour,’

Broader changes in substantive policy, extending beyond policing.

Question 5

What policy changes were associated with Zero Tolerance in Britain, extending beyond policing?

birth the terms like ….

Answer 5

Birth of terms like ‘anti-social behaviour’ and ‘disorder.’
Enactment of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.
Introduction of Anti-social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs).
Implementation of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003.

Question 6

What significant events in the United Kingdom are associated with the ongoing debate about Zero Tolerance,

Answer 6

• August 2011 Riots
• Cameron – “We haven’t talked the language of zero tolerance enough”
• Bill Bratton mooted as next Commissioner of Metropolitan Police
• Appointed as PM’s ‘advisor’ on gangs

Question 7

What key developments in the United States contribute to the ongoing debate about Zero Tolerance,

Answer 7

• Academic debate continues (Harcourt versus Kelling)
• Bratton re-appointed as New York City Police Commissioner in 2013
• Killings by police in US cities from 2012 on re-ignite debate (eg. Mike Brown, Eric Garner #blacklives matter movement)
• Summer 2020 – police killing of George Floyd sparks mass protests across USA and across the globe

Question 8

What are the attractions and limitations associated with ‘Zero Tolerance’ policing?

2 attractions

5 limitations

Answer 8

Attractions:
Symbolic/expressive value.
Policing and crime reduction.

Limitations:
Limited impact.
Treating symptoms not causes.
Police brutality and corruption.
Community relations.
Labelling.