Topic 5: Crime Prevention: Wilson & Kelling (1982)

Question 1

(Wilson & Kelling) What was the main research question of Wilson & Kelling?

Answer 1

Do foot patrols and community policing reduce crime?

Question 2

(Wilson & Kelling) According to Wilson & Kelling, what is the effect of disorder in a community (e.g., graffiti, public drinking)?

Answer 2

It makes people fearful, causes them to stay in their homes (no sense of community), and makes the community more vulnerable to crime.

Question 3

(Wilson & Kelling) Explain Wilson & Kelling’s “broken windows” analogy.

Answer 3

If a broken window is not repaired quickly, it signals that no one cares, leading to more broken windows and further disorder.

Question 4

(Wilson & Kelling) What informal rules did police implement in Newark, according to the text?

Answer 4

Drunks could sit but not lie on stoops.

Question 5

(Wilson & Kelling) What were the effects of the increased police presence and informal rules in Newark?

Answer 5

It helped maintain order and gave a more positive public perception, but did not significantly reduce crime.

Question 6

(Wilson & Kelling) What did Wilson & Kelling suggest regarding the deployment of foot patrols with limited resources?

Answer 6

Foot patrols should be carefully deployed, and neighbourhoods at the “tipping point” should be identified and reclaimed from disorder.

Question 7

(Wilson & Kelling) What was Wilson & Kelling’s overall conclusion about the role of the police?

Answer 7

The police should be protecting communities, not just individuals.