Wilson and Kelling - broken windows - Paper 3

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

Analyse what makes safe neighbourhoods, the changing role of the police and maintaining order
Particular focus on foot patrols

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

Article
Kelling accompanied on foot patrols around Newark

Question 3

Safe neighbourhoods

Answer 3

People are often scared of the risk of violent crime but also being bothered by non-violent but disorderly people ie teens loitering, drunks, prostitutes
Officers interacted with regulars and strangers on patrol
Disreputable regulars had to observe informal rules about keeping peace ie no loud noise and strangers were observed
However, police often simply arrest and don’t help manage community order

Question 4

Broken window theory

Answer 4

If a window in a building is broken and left unrepaired, the others will be too soon
The broken window indicates that no one cares if another breaks
Same principle applies to disorder/crime
Untended behaviour breaks down community order
Also, broken windows literally contribute as they create the image of a rough area

Question 5

Changing role of the police

Answer 5

Police have shifted from order maintenance to law enforcement - creating resentment and pushback from media
W&K say it is wrong to decriminalise harmless disreputable behaviour as police need to maintain order
It may be that because small communities are more aware of communal issues they respond to policing of this style better

Question 6

Suggestions for the police (changing role of police)

Answer 6

Try variations of the Newark experiment aka foot patrols
Minimise police involvement and use informal methods of social control such as community rules or agreements
Employ citizen patrols

Question 7

Maintaining order

Answer 7

Police require public support to manage communities
People don’t help each other as they feel no personal responsibility
The police should focus on communities that are deteriorating but are not irredeemable

Question 8

Suggestions for instilling a sense of security

Answer 8

Employ private watchmen/security guards
Tenant organisations could hire off duty police officers to patrol
Encourage patrol officers to use public transport to move around cities, and to enforce order on trains/buses as they go

Question 9

Conclusions

Answer 9

Features of neighbourhoods impact crime rates
The role of the police has changed and strategies are continually changing
Foot patrols enhance a community’s sense of safety

Question 10

Applications

Answer 10

Strategies for crime prevention - defensible space, foot patrols