Evolution of Policing: From Broken Windows to Community Era
Co-Producing Safety
The Broken Windows Theory: James Wilson
Police are the talkers, meaning they are on the front lines, and citizens need police to help reduce crime. Police reduce crime by implementing the “Broken Windows” theory, focusing on minor crimes (disorder) with arrests because small crimes lead to bigger crimes and a lack of informal social control. This approach is also discriminatory as it is zero tolerance.
The Political Era
J. Edgar Hoover introduced the police force as a profession because previously it consisted only of community members policing, referred to as the “watchmen style”. Then the “Professional Model” was created.
The Professional Model
Police were now organized in a military style, with hierarchical ranks and bureaucracy. The goal was protection and prevention. They had measurable success. Crime prevention was achieved through reaction (police would be on call). This brought in a “legalistic style”, and policing was no longer just a job.
Critiques of the Professional Model
There were several critiques of the professional model, including:
- Negative job personality (police thinking they are better than others)
- Being on call (rapid response) was not effective
- Crime investigations would be started but never finished
- Crime rates rose, which questioned the professional model’s legitimacy
The Community Policing Era
The police need to work with the community. Social problems are now being considered.
- Organizational change: Police force to police service.
- Operational change: More community involvement and police credibility.
- “Service Style” (organizational change): Police now work for the public.
Innovations in Policing (COMPSTAT)
Computer data, mapping, and accountability of officers were introduced because everything is recorded. However, it is also counterproductive in promoting the hierarchy and creating an incentive to manipulate stats. If the officer is taking accountability, then the person above them also has to, thus leading to manipulation.
Paramilitary/Bureaucratic Structure of Police
There is a command hierarchy, and training is passed down by higher-ups. The issue is that training influences an “us vs. them” mentality, encouraging trainees to no longer see themselves as civilians. Collective discipline is exerted over recruits (one person makes a mistake, so everyone deals with it). Deference is now more subtle. This is all reinforced by uniforms, group punishments, the “us vs. them” mentality, and training under stress.
Learning in the Police Academy
An informal curriculum is taught, emphasizing helping communities, mediation, and problem-solving, but this is often dropped when training is completed.
Coactive problem (formal): Residents have to be involved for officers to work effectively.
Changing Lessons in Policing
There is a need to re-examine the paramilitary structure and align the formal and informal curriculum, as well as to eliminate the “us vs. them” mentality.
Procedural Justice: The public respects the police because they are supposed to help, but certain groups will perceive the police differently.
Has Anything Changed? (Steve Herbert)
Community policing and the “Broken Windows” theory do not work together. Herbert disagrees that getting rid of disorder brings social control because there was none in the first place.
Broken Windows’ attributes:
- Hyper-masculine culture = “warrior in the fight against crime”
- Moral purpose = hero catching “bad guys”
- Attributes needed are toughness, invulnerability, and physical prowess
Faulty System
Some people can get away with crimes, and they do it again, leading to “social breakdown,” meaning informal social controls are gone in schools, etc.
Politicians on Crime
Politicians often advocate for more laws, such as the “3-strike law.” Herbert says that while the “Broken Windows” theory may work, it does not necessarily mean it is effective.