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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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