If you’re studying towards a criminology degree it’s likely you’ll come across the broken windows theory at some point over the duration of your course. Below we explore broken windows theory and examine how it relates to modern policing.
Written by Grant Longstaff. Published 09 April 2025.
What is broken windows theory?
The broken windows theory suggests visible signs of crime, antisocial behaviour and social disorder can create an environment which fosters more serious crimes. These visible signs of crime could include vandalism, graffiti, littering, fly tipping and neglected or damaged property, such as broken windows, which is where the theory found its name.
The theory states visible signs of crime and neglect are an indicator that nobody in a community cares. This perception leads to more crime, with an escalating level of severity and can leave people feeling an area is no longer safe.
Who created broken windows theory?
Broken windows theory was introduced by George L. Kelling and James Q. Wilson in an article in The Atlantic in 1982. The article included criticism of how the police managed certain crimes – such as those outlined above – and suggested this mishandling of crimes would have a detrimental effect on communities. They argued that better policing of minor disorder would help maintain public order and prevent more serious crime, stating:
“The key is to identify neighbourhoods at the tipping point—where the public order is deteriorating but not unreclaimable, where the streets are used frequently but by apprehensive people, where a window is likely to be broken at any time, and must quickly be fixed if all are not to be shattered.”
Kelling’s and Wilson’s ideas created much discussion and fundamentally changed policing.
Broken windows theory in practice
Under Police Commissioner William Bratton and Mayor Rudy Giuliani, the New York Police Department (NYPD) cracked down on crimes such as fare evasion, public drinking, loitering, smoking cannabis and graffiti during the 1990’s.
During this period there was a noticeable drop in crime. However, critics of the theory note there were many other factors at play, citing numerous socioeconomic changes of the time, which suggests the falling crime rate can’t be credited solely to broken windows theory.
Further criticism of broken windows theory suggests the theory discriminates against minority groups, with criminologists Jeffrey Fagan and Garth Davies pointing out that, “the implementation of Broken Windows policies was disproportionately concentrated in minority neighbourhoods and conflated with poverty and other signs of socioeconomic disadvantage.”
Broken windows theory, in some part, has also been present in UK policing. For example, the Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO), introduced in 1998, aimed to curb nuisance behaviour. You can see elements of broken windows theory given the ASBO’s aim to tackle crime and disorder and to make communities safer. However, they were controversial, with critics questioning the ambiguity of antisocial behaviours and the overall effectiveness of the ASBO. There was also evidence of inconsistencies regarding what constituted antisocial behaviour and the terms of an ASBO outlined by courts. The ASBO has since been abolished in England and Wales.
What type of policing reduces crime?
The College of Policing states that, “while there is evidence that low-level disorder, if not addressed, can lead to other disorders and crimes, research has failed to find convincing evidence of the long term sequence of events originally put forward in the broken windows theory.”
So, what type of policing can reduce crime? Problem-orientated policing (POP), also known as problem solving policing, encourages police officers to look beyond the criminal incident and attempt to address underlying problems. Hot spot policing focuses resources in high crime areas and changing how officers treat people can transform the outcomes.
Ultimately, there is no one strategy to policing that will work. There are pros and cons to every approach, and the College of Policing concludes “the best thing that police can do to reduce crime is to target resources based on analysis of the problem and ensure the fair treatment of all those they have contact with.”
The broken window theory is a compelling area of research for criminology students. It offers you an opportunity to critically examine a theory in practice and raises important questions on crime in a community and whether a person’s environment can influence their behaviour.
If you’re interested in the causes and consequences of crime our BA (Hons) in Criminology and Policing is the perfect degree for you.
