22 Sep Broken Windows Theory Busted?

The Broken Windows theory suggests that a high concentration of small, petty crimes leads to a higher incidence of bigger, nastier crimes.

Ben Adler, a Next American City writer, looks at Berlin and Copenhagen and finds the crime trends don’t match the idea behind Broken Windows.

“Increasingly, criminologists are challenging Broken Windows’ hegemonic grasp on urban public policy. My travels in Europe have convinced me, once a Broken Windows believer, that it is largely a lot of hokum. Let the pot dealers return to Washington Square Park, the graffiti sit indefinitely on the mailboxes, the hookers wander Times Square, and I’m not at all sure you’d see an increase in violent crime as a result.

Berlin, Germany, a city of 3.4 million, is rife with symbols of social disorder. Sitting at a bar’s outdoor table you’re liable to smell hash wafting over from the table next to you, and to be offered it while walking through some of the city’s parks. Prostitution is legal. If there are any open container laws, they are completely unenforced. Beer is drunk openly on the streets and the metro.

And yet there is very little crime.” [article link]

Disregarding whether or not the theory is proven or “unproven,” do you think this applies to P²?

It begs the question: if the small crimes don’t lead to bigger ones (that usually get more attention), should we worry about the small ones? Are the drug deals and drug use that happen throughout P² better left alone? They’re not harming anyone, right?

What do you think?

p.s. the main picture’s blurry because I had a few of the other guys sitting up there gave me a good swear fest for taking pictures of them without asking. I was warned that I was going to get f-ing sued for taking pictures without permission. Man.. I’m getting so tough!