Broken Windows Theory in Public Administration

 

Broken Windows Theory in Public Administration  🚨🚔🚨🏚

          

          If you have not heard of Broken Windows Theory, it is a criminological theory that suggests that constantly paying attention to smaller illegal things will cause decreases in more serious criminal activity.  The idea is that people pay attention to things like fixing a broken window immediately and, because of this, criminal offenders will be less likely to victimize because they are aware of the heavy surveillance and attention to lower illegal activities that occur.  Similar to characteristics found in social disorganization theories.  

 

The question that always arises when Broken Windows Theory is discussed is:  What are the police responsible for when participating in Broken Windows Theory policing?  Are they responsible for fixing the broken window?  Reporting it?  The police in the United States are designed to address illegal activity.  How many quality of life issues fall within the realm of Broken Windows Theory policing?  A lot.  Are there other public agencies that should work closely with the police regarding Broken Windows Theory police tactics? 

 

In order to fully implement a successful Broken Windows Theory-based system in government, it must include other organizations that specialize in circumstances that arise.  This can and should be done in public administrations other than police work.  Civil bureaucracy.  This is the part where this piece will change tone to using Broken Windows Theory in general public administration.     

 

Specifically, having a strong local government that utilizes Broken Windows Theory tactics can show civilians and other bodies of government that crime can be reduced by resolving minor things like dilapidation or other issues and better quality of living can be achieved.  Minor in respect to the thought that funds are readily available to provide a better quality of living.  It is an easy task when taking in the overall scheme of things to do to reduce crime and have better states of living, that is.  Public officials—not only police officers—can spearhead an effective strategy in a local community by communicating with each other and citizens about smaller issues.  If a group of citizens want the public trash cans to be emptied sooner, less vagrants about, fixing street posts, etc. the local government can be enjoyed by all if the networking required in Broken Windows Theory is applied properly.  This could show state and federal offices that paying attention to smaller issues can have benefits.  There is an economic benefit that is noteworthy.  Tax dollars will be used properly.  

3-1-1 Centers are a step in the right direction, but there is much to improve on and the ideas in Broken Windows Theory can be used in other formats of public service.            

 

Policing Local Government 🕵️‍♂️🇺🇸  

 

The network of agencies that work together in such a style of public service  also develop an internal and external checking mechanism regarding validity.  That is, if things are not getting done, fixed, or resolved in general people will notice.  Broken Windows Theory involves the community and a relationship with public agencies that handle calls for service.  Citizens would be extremely displeased with the local government and most likely voice their concerns about ineffective Broken Windows Theory placements. 

 

On the flip side, public workers who work in this style of public service, and are wholeheartedly using such an approach, could report any fallacies in the system.  It is simply a matter of who is doing their job or not.

 

Try it at the Local Level 💁🏻❓📈

        

Pick a mid-sized local community and implement Broken Windows Theory in all its public agencies.  Efficiency will be better and attention to smaller annoyances will clear the way for other important issues.  The selected community will most likely have a few departments that handle routine calls for service.  If the style—Broken Windows Theory—is used properly, specific local departments will greatly improve.  Public workers—including police officers—could interact with the community more effectively, instill better appreciation for their services, solve minor issues, reduce crime, and be freed up to deal with other activities—if the coordination is right!          

Source:  Public Domain