Review on Broken Windows Policing

Introduction to Policing Issues

• Discriminatory practices in policing often target poor people of color.

• Historical context: The youth of today did not experience the crisis in New York City in 1990.

• Broken Windows policing exacerbates inequalities in enforcement based on race and socio-economic status.

• Fear of repercussions leads many to stay silent about police abuses.

Bob Gangi and PROP

• Bob Gangi: Director of the Police Reform Organizing Project (PROP).

• Focus of PROP: Exposing discriminatory police practices and advocating for reforms.

• Critique of Broken Windows policing: A flawed theory that hasn’t proven effective in reducing serious crime.

  • Strategy includes addressing low-level infractions like graffiti.

  • Disproportionally targets low-income and minority communities.

Educating Communities

• Importance of educating families on core values.

• Link made between low-level offenses and potential escalation to more serious crimes.

• PROP’s actions include giving mock summonses to white individuals committing minor infractions to highlight disparities in enforcement.

Broken Windows Policing Explained

• Originates from high-level pressure on police officers to meet quotas for arrests and tickets.

• Communities of color often disproportionately affected by this method of policing.

• Instances of minor infractions leading to arrests underscore the need for reform.

Perspectives from Law Enforcement

Carlton Berkley’s Viewpoint

• Retired detective discusses potential usefulness of Broken Windows when applied correctly.

• Suggestion to rethink police presence in communities of color.

  • Concern over racial bias even among officers of the same ethnicity.

• Advocacy for less expensive policing to allocate funds to community resources.

Society’s Perception of Law Enforcement

• Public perception troubled by anecdotes of officers abusing their authority.

• Rhetoric suggesting communities of color experience excessively harsh treatment and surveillance.

• Examples of arrests for minor offenses illustrate unequal enforcement of laws, raising concerns of systemic racism.

Discussion on Criminalization of Minor Offenses

• Claims made about the lack of enforcement on white communities for the same offenses committed in communities of color.

• Debate surrounding the legitimacy of using Broken Windows as a crime-fighting strategy.

• Assertion that many believe if the laws are not enforced fairly, there is no respect for the laws.

The Role of Politics in Policing

• Call for politicians to reconsider and potentially reduce police funding in favor of community services.

• Advocacy for new legislative measures or candidates who will prioritize police reform.

• Aim to stop Broken Windows policy and redirect funds to improve education and healthcare in communities.

Conclusion

• The current state of policing reflects deep-seated issues of inequality and systemic bias.

• A profound change is needed to create a fairer justice system that does not rely on discriminatory practices.