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Wilson & Kelling (1982) - Police and Neighbourhood Safety (Background,…
Wilson & Kelling (1982) - Police and Neighbourhood Safety
Background
Programme in New Jersey putting more police officers on foot patrols
After 5 years showed no decrease in crime rates
But residents felt more secure and believed crime was reduced
Foot patrol officers have higher morale than patrol car officers
Residents perceive there's a lot of crime if they think their neighbourhood is disorderly
Strategies used by foot patrols
Foot patrols contributed to the level of public order
Drinking was allowed in side streets but not on main streets
Bottles had to be in paper bags
Talking to, bothering, or begging from people @ bus stop was not allowed
Link to broken window theory
Window broken but not repaired -) all other windows will be broken in that building
This is bc unrepaired window = no one cares so breaking the rest = no consequence -> DISORDER
Perceived level of serious crimes increases, fear of crime increases
Residents respond by keeping off streets -> move out if possible
Vulnerability to Crime
Disorder -> easier for drug sellers and prostitutes to operate
Policing these areas is difficult because police'd explain they cannot arrest people for petty crimes
Citizens see police as ineffective -> stop calling them -> less likely to challenge disorderly behaviour
Conclusion
Police are the key to maintain public order
Suggested careful deployment of foot patrols due to lack of resources
Only in "tipping point" areas - where public order is deteriorating but not unreclaimable
Police must not only protect individuals but also communities
Guardian Angels
Aimed to increase sense of public order
Unarmed young people patrolling NY subway + set up groups in other cities challenging disorder