type offenses are ignored, the offenders move on to commit
other and usually more serious offenses.
Many cities, including New York, concentrated efforts
to arrest these offenders and there was a resultant lower crime
rate. No one can say with certainty that a specific percentage
of the lower crime rate was the direct result of the quality of life
arrests because crime rates have been going down in other
places as well. What can be shown is that when cities do
consider Broken Windows theory in allocation of resources,
there is a correllating lower crime rate.
Philadelphia has taken the concept of Broken Windows theory
to another level which is a win/win situation. In bad economic
times, cities are trying to lower the jail population, not add
even more offenders. Enter a unique court whose premise
should make sense to any who hear of it.
Started in 1996 the court moves from one policing area to
another and deals with the various and sundry crimes that
debase a neighborhood's overall quality of life, such as drinking,
loitering, and the ever-popular doing both on a stoop other than
your own.
Since most offenders have no money to pay fines, the sentence
is community service but specifically in the same area where
the offense occurred. Offenders do time with service in precisely
the place where they originally disturbed the peace.
Instead of jail, offenders will pick up parks, rec centers and churches.
This is an idea that should be considered by cities and towns across
the country. What a great way to clean up our neighborhoods while
requiring those who are responsible for debasing them to take
responsibility for their actions.
You can read the entire article here.
If you think this is a good idea, consider suggesting it to your
city council.
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