America Requires Revival of "Broken Windows" Policing due to Grisly Charlotte Train Killings Serving as a Sobering Wake-up Call
In the 1990s, New York City first implemented the Broken Windows policing strategy, focusing on minor offenses as a means to combat crime. This approach, initially met with scepticism, has since proven effective in several cities across the United States.
One such city is Albuquerque, New Mexico, which implemented the "Safer Streets Program" based on the broken windows theory. By enforcing driving infractions, using saturation patrols, follow-up patrols, freeway speed enforcement, and sobriety checkpoints, the city saw a significant drop in crime. Homicide rates decreased by 29%, kidnapping by 17%, and assault by 10%.
The success of the Albuquerque program has not gone unnoticed. Cities such as Lowell, Massachusetts, have also seen positive results after adopting the broken windows theory. In 2005, Lowell implemented this strategy, leading to a 20% decrease in calls to police from areas that received special attention.
Researchers in Lowell divided crime hot spots into two groups. One group received problem-oriented help such as fixing streetlights and clearing away litter, while the other group received no additional assistance. The results showed a clear correlation between addressing minor issues and a decrease in crime.
The theory behind broken windows policing was articulated by renowned criminologist James Q. Wilson in a 1982 article. Wilson explained how unchecked disorderly behavior can lead to an increase in serious street crime. The idea is that by addressing minor infractions, such as turnstile jumping, cities can create an environment where crime is less likely to thrive.
In Charlotte, North Carolina, the need for such a strategy was tragically highlighted when a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, Iryna Zarutska, was stabbed to death on a light rail train. The stabber, Decarlos Brown, Jr., had 14 prior arrests, including for violent crimes like robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Despite the success of broken windows policing, there has been a push by left-wing officials to decrease punishments for what they deem "minor" crimes. However, the success of broken windows policing suggests that criminals will continue committing crimes until they are forced to stop. The implementation of this strategy serves as a reminder of the need to return to a decades-old law enforcement strategy that punishes small crimes to prevent more serious ones.
In Charlotte, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) has a policy that discourages conductors and drivers from requiring a paid ticket and preventing turnstile jumping. However, in light of recent events, CATS security official Eric Osnes has recognised the dangers of this policy and will now heavily enforce fares with the help of more than 200 officers.
As cities continue to grapple with rising crime rates, the broken windows theory offers a potential solution. By addressing minor infractions, cities can create an environment where crime is less likely to thrive, leading to safer streets for all.
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