Overview
This lecture covers environmental crime prevention, including broken windows theory, zero tolerance policing, environmental improvement, supporting evidence, criticisms, and practical issues with these approaches.
Environmental Crime Prevention
- Emerged in the mid-1980s, influenced by Wilson and Kelling's broken windows theory.
- Focuses on removing visible signs of disorder to reduce crime in local neighborhoods.
- Associated with the right realist perspective on crime and deviance.
- Assumes that improving physical environments instills community pride and discourages crime.
Broken Windows Theory
- Suggests physical neglect (e.g., broken windows) increases crime rates in an area.
- Neglect and disorder are more common in underfunded, deprived neighborhoods.
- Rapid repair of disorder signs and strict action against offenders are key principles.
Zero Tolerance Policing
- Involves strict enforcement against minor offenses and visible disorder.
- Policies include shutting down problematic bars and nightclubs, moving on beggars and the homeless.
- Notably used in New York City in the 1990s under Mayor Rudy Giuliani.
Environmental Improvement
- Focuses on fixing damage, removing graffiti, repairing buildings, and reviving communities.
- Can lead to gentrification, where original residents are priced out as areas become more desirable.
Evidence and Criticisms
- Kaisa Ettel's field experiments showed higher deviance in areas with visible disorder.
- George Kelling advised NYC's mayor on environmental approaches.
- Difficult to prove effectiveness, as crime rates were already declining and other factors (more police, economic growth) may have influenced results.
- Often combined with situational prevention (CCTV, better lighting) and community projects.
- Criticized for displacing crime rather than eliminating it, as offenders may move elsewhere.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Environmental Crime Prevention — Reducing crime by improving the physical environment.
- Broken Windows Theory — Idea that visible disorder increases crime likelihood.
- Zero Tolerance Policing — Enforcing all offenses strictly to maintain order.
- Gentrification — Upgrading areas that prices out original, usually poorer, residents.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key points of broken windows theory and zero tolerance policing for exams.
- Read more about criticisms and evidence regarding environmental crime prevention.