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April 09, 2002

Broken Windows

There is a theory in police enforcement that if petty crimes like graffitti, broken windows, vandalism were punished harshly then the more dangerous crimes will be curbed. The thinking is that letting small offences go un-punished sends the signal that society is lax.

For a detailed look at this theory

Posted at April 9, 2002 09:31 AM

Comments

This theory reminds of me of a short story that is mentioned in Thomas Friedman's book "From Beirut to Jerusalem". Also the former Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Kuan Yew is a big advocate of this theory. Infact Singapore employs this methodology ( or something close) and it seems to be working quite well for them considering that it is one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world.

Posted by: Srinath Rajen on April 11, 2002 07:44 PM

I am reminded of the crime rate in Japan (4% or so I believe). Basically people are so terrified of the police that they would rather not even try. Where else can a woman walk alone on the streets at 11 pm without a worry?

I fail to recall where I picked up this bit of info. Hopefully not from Dave Barry Does Japan.

Posted by: Beemboy on April 17, 2002 02:39 PM
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