Compstat and Broken Windows Theory in Analysing Community Relations
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Today, we want to look at the Broken Window theory. It was first applied in New York City with great success.
Recently, in February 2014, i have investigated a crime scene in Queens, NYC, for the ASPCA and met with a retired Lieutenant of NYPD. We talked about the Broken Window theory combined with zero tolerance and how it helped to clean up the crime ridden areas in New York. He stated that the murder rate decreased from 350 annually to 48 annually. The people were proud of their neighborhood and would not allow crime and criminals destroy the community.
Compstat and Broken Window theory, a good crime fighting combination? What do you think?
Additional reading to broken window theory
http://www.manhattan-institute.org/pdf/_atlantic_monthly-broken_windows.pdf
research and answer the following questions:
•Do programs such as Compstat, which place increasing stress on commanders to reduce crime, undermine the integrity of the Crime Reporting systems? Why do you think so? What solutions would you propose for this problem?
The Compstat program originally initiated by then police commissioner of New York Bratton focused on policing Broken Windows. The primary tactic of policing Broken Windows is a focus on appropriate handling of minor offenses. This is also known as "Quality of Life" enforcement.
•Does Quality of Life enforcement (and perception of crime reduction) increase or decrease the level of cooperation with the local police officers enforcing penalties for minor offenses? Additionally, does quality of life enforcement lead to racial profiling or heavy-handed enforcement policies in immigrant and (or) lower socio-economic communities? How?
•Should the primary objective of police or law enforcement organizations be to reduce crime? If not, what should police or law enforcement organizations aim to accomplish?
•Is crime reduction more important than community relations? What are your suggestions for bridging the gap between crime reduction and community relations? How can the two be brought closer together?
Use references cite sources.
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Solution Summary
The solution discusses Compstat and Broken Windows Theory in analyzing community.
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Please see my guidance below.
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Compstat and Broken Window theory, a good crime fighting combination? What do you think?
This is based on your personal opinion. An interesting article about this is written by a staff writer for the Stabroek News. They state that the negative aspect of using both in conjunction is that they open 'windows of opportunity for ranks to trample on basic human rights'. However, they ultimately state that if used in conjunction, these two can promote decreased crime rates. (Stabroek News, 2013)
Furthermore, as stated on Wikipedia,
'By arresting or issuing summonses to people who engage in minor violations and quality of life offenses—such as public drinking and public urination, panhandling, loud radios, prostitution and disorderly conduct—ensures that those behaviors are deterred. As explained in the Broken windows theory, aggressive enforcement of all statutes has been shown to restore a sense of order. By capturing enforcement data as reflected in summons and arrest activity, the department is better able to gauge its overall performance.'
So we can see that they potentially do make a good crime-fighting combination.
You can read the link to the opinion article here to help you with your answer:
http://www.stabroeknews.com/2013/opinion/letters/11/26/compstat-broken-windows-theory-can-go-long-way-towards-reducing-crime/
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Do programs such as Compstat, which place increasing stress on commanders to reduce crime, undermine the integrity of the Crime Reporting systems? Why do you think so? What solutions would you propose for this problem?
This is again based on your personal opinion.
An interesting article written by Heather MacDonald sheds light on the many advantages that have been created by Compstat, but also goes on to discuss how the results and data received from Compstat have the possibility of being manipulated. She states, 'Without doubt, once an institution starts scrupulously measuring results and holding managers responsible for those results, some people will try to game the system. The school accountability movement has produced numerous efforts to manipulate test scores, some more deceitful than others.'
Furthermore, she says, 'Compstat indisputably ...
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