The Broken Windows theory sounds logical. Implementing ways to combat broken windows would probably reduce crime. Stopping little crimes like petty theft and graffiti would make neighborhoods safer, or at least give the illusion that it is safer. Cracking down on smaller crimes would give criminals the idea that they might get caught and discourage them from pursuing larger crimes.
However, this does not work well in real life. Police officers may stop smaller crimes, but they cannot stop the inner issues that cause people to commit these crimes. People who are economically disadvantaged are more likely to jump turnstiles or steal some money. They don’t do them because they want to, but because they feel that they need to. The law is there to curb wrongful behavior, but it actually seems to punish the poor. This is the fundamental problem with the broken windows theory. The poor, who are typically minorities, are being targeted as the cause of crime.
As a result, the broken windows theory is implemented with greater force in neighborhoods with majority African Americans. Trust between the police and residents of those neighborhoods are lowering. Crimes happen in other neighborhoods, but the broken windows theory doesn’t seem to cover those crimes. There is also the problem of the rich using their money to get away with crimes.
There needs to be a systematic change to policing. Every person should face the law equally, regardless of class or race.
-Rosa Kyung
