Expounder of 'Broken Window' theory of community policing dies, aged 80

There must be few people who are even remotely interested in community life who have not come across the 'broken window' theory of policing which advocated the use of foot patrols to maintain public order and reduce people's fear of crime in order to build strong communities.

Interestingly, while acknowledging that actual crime figures are largely unaffected by such policing, people's view of the relative safety of their neighbourhoods goes up significantly when they have community police with whom they can interact without barriers such as car doors. This, claimed the theorists, makes for more stable and happier communities. It had a profound effect on policing in the US and affected thinking in the UK as well.

James Q Wilson along with criminologist, George L Kelling, explained the theory in a now famous Atlantic article known called Broken Windows. It's well worth a read

Wilson (1931-2012) was the USA's foremost political scientist. An archive of his writing for Commentary is now available for free. 

Links:

Broken Window article

James Q Wilson archive at Commentary Magazine