My Essay Point

Broken Window Theory In Relation To COP and CPS

According to the broken window theory in relation to community oriented policing, members of a certain community/neighborhood should first and foremost have a common understanding as to what constitutes right order, what breaks the order and also methods in which the order can be maintained to allow a peaceful co-existence. This setting will allow proper order to be maintained through police-citizen cooperation and also pave way for swift police action in instances where order is threatened. Group identity will be formed which is a vital concept in helping citizens work collectively with the police. According to (Coles & Kelling 262), in the article “Broken Window”, disorderliness and crime thrive in neighborhoods where no one cares. The broken window theory suggests that if no one cares to address crime and disorderliness then crime will definitely thrive.

Community policing is characterized by partnership, problem solving and lastly crime prevention. Crime prevention is aimed at teaching community on ways of avoiding crime through being proactive. Partnerships are aimed at bringing community together with law enforcers thus allowing for cooperation and shared responsibility in crime prevention. For community policing to be effective, there must be avenues in place where the police meet with the citizens for information exchange. Problems, concerns and other issues affecting security of a community will be addressed by such forums and meaningful relationships will be established between the police and the people.  Trust building will be achieved and the continued long term relations will result in shared responsibility. Final outcome of community policing is successful problem solving. This will help mend crime which is a vital step in broken window theory.

Also read: Social problems in society

            Crime prevention strategies are necessary even with the presence of law enforcement. Citizens should not wait for police to protect their property. Crime prevention techniques should be adapted to ensure that even if crime takes place, it is as a last resort and it is difficult to execute. Such crime prevention techniques include; maintaining a proper fence that is low which helps conceal intruders in case of a break in. Gates should be locked and security alarms put in place which increases chances of criminals being caught or high fences to slow burglars especially in residential houses. Law enforcers are also a vital ingredient to ensuring proper crime prevention. According to the broken window theory, police officers should be well equipped to deal with the community problems that need their attention most of which is not even related to law enforcement. Problems such as teen drinking, gangs, youth issues may not necessarily be related to theft but may be a cause of security issues in a community. Identifying these issues will greatly increase the capacity to solve problems in terms of creating a healthy environment that establishes a positive role to those with problems.

Problem solving according to policing initiatives used today involves a model known as the S.A.R.A model which is basically effective and involves scanning of the problem to identify the issues. Then analysis follows and thereafter response to the problem. Lastly assessment is done to counter the problem. Other ways of identifying problems include community surveys, addressing citizen’s complaints and community meeting issues, crime analysis, police observations among other techniques that can steer crime prevention agendas.