broken windows theory
Neglect invites crime
Broken windows theory is a criminology concept holding that visible signs of disorder—graffiti, litter, broken windows—invite more serious crime by signaling that an area is unmonitored.
The theory influenced aggressive policing of minor offenses in the 1990s, particularly in New York City.
Critics argue it led to over-policing of poor and minority communities without clear evidence of effectiveness.
Policy allowing no infractions
- stop and friskPolice search without arrest
- community policingPartnership-based crime prevention
- crime preventionStopping offenses before occurrence
- deterrencePrevention via threatened consequences
law enforcement · patrol · crackdown · misdemeanor · public order · Giuliani · hot spots · neighborhood watch
Plant disease causing decay
- dilapidationState of ruin
- abandonmentAct of leaving permanently
- neglectFailure to provide care
- disrepairPoor maintained condition
squalor · disinvestment · slum · urban blight · economic decline · deterioration · vagrancy · litter
Rude or impolite behavior
- devianceDeparture from accepted standards
- antisocial behaviorConduct harming community welfare
- tipping pointThreshold triggering major change
- contagionDisease spread by contact
Law enforcement by skin color
- mass incarcerationExcessive imprisonment at scale
- gentrificationWealthy influx displacing locals
- displacementRemoval from usual location
- civil libertiesRights limiting government power
police misconduct · selective enforcement · bias · inequality · decriminalization · reform
zero tolerance
Policy allowing no infractions
- stop and friskPolice search without arrest
- community policingPartnership-based crime prevention
- crime preventionStopping offenses before occurrence
deterrence · law enforcement · patrol · crackdown · misdemeanor · public order · Giuliani · hot spots · neighborhood watch · beat cop
blight
Plant disease causing decay
- dilapidationState of ruin
- abandonmentAct of leaving permanently
- neglectFailure to provide care
disrepair · squalor · disinvestment · slum · urban blight · economic decline · deterioration · vagrancy · litter · eyesore
incivility
Rude or impolite behavior
- devianceDeparture from accepted standards
- antisocial behaviorConduct harming community welfare
- tipping pointThreshold triggering major change
racial profiling
Law enforcement by skin color
- mass incarcerationExcessive imprisonment at scale
- gentrificationWealthy influx displacing locals
- displacementRemoval from usual location
civil liberties · police misconduct · selective enforcement · bias · inequality · decriminalization · reform