Introduction
The “Get Tough Policing” ideology is frequently linked to the “broken windows” approach to crime prevention. In this theory, obvious indicators of disorder and degradation, such as broken windows, empty buildings, and graffiti, serve as a warning to criminals that a location is not well-maintained and prone to criminal activity. A well-kept area, on the other hand, communicates the message that criminal activity won’t be tolerated, having a deterrent impact.
Origins and Rationale of the Theory
Social scientists who suggested that little signs of disorder can generate a “tipping point” that results in more serious crime popularized the broken windows theory. They believed that by harshly punishing minor acts like loitering and vandalism, more major crimes might be avoided. The theory behind “Get Tough Policing” is that by harshly punishing minor violations, law officials can convey that criminal conduct won’t be allowed (The Infographics Show, 2019). This method is predicated on the notion that potential criminals are logical decision-makers who consider the benefits and drawbacks of their options. It seeks to discourage criminal conduct by increasing the consequences associated with illegal activities.
New York City’s Application
The application of the broken windows theory in New York City is frequently highlighted as a successful case study of “Get Tough Policing” in action. High rates of crime were prevalent in New York City during the period, especially in areas with poor incomes. However, the city enacted a number of measures to crack down on minor violations (The Infographics Show, 2019).
One of the primary components of the new strategy was a focus on quality-of-life enforcement, which includes cracking down on infractions such as panhandling, drinking in public, and evasion of subway fare. This strategy was intended to instill a sense of security and order throughout the city. The new strategy also strongly emphasized community policing, which entailed fostering ties between police officers and residents. By collaborating closely with community members, police officers were able to better grasp the problems in their neighborhoods and create more efficient ways of resolving those problems.
Crime rates significantly decreased in New York City once the broken windows idea was put into practice. According to data from the New York City Police Department, from 1994 to 1998, the city’s overall crime rate decreased by 39%, and that trend persisted for several consecutive years (The Infographics Show, 2019). The fact that the number of persons behind bars also decreased indicates that the strategy was successful in lowering crime without using harsher sentencing guidelines.
Criticism
However, the “Get Tough Policing” initiative and the “broken windows” idea have also drawn criticism for their propensity to result in racial profiling and an excessive amount of police presence in low-income neighborhoods. The focus on infractions of a minor nature, according to critics, might result in police harassment and bias toward persons of color and those with low incomes (The Infographics Show, 2019). They also point out that the theory ignores systemic problems that are at the root of crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and access to healthcare and education.
Conclusion
The “Get Tough Policing” philosophy and the “broken windows” notion of crime prevention are strongly related. This strategy strongly emphasizes harshly punishing minor infractions to establish a sense of order and safety in communities and prevent more serious crime. Although the approach has occasionally been effective in lowering crime rates, it has also come under fire for its propensity to result in excessive policing and prejudice against disadvantaged groups. The method’s success ultimately depends on how it is implemented and the larger social and economic environment in which it is used.
Reference
The Infographics Show. (2019). How New York City Stopped Crime By Repairing Windows [Video]. YouTube. Web.