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Applying the Broken Windows Theory to Code Enforcement in Urban Communities
debate since the introduction of this theory. In fact, the theory in a literal sense
would be demonstrated by the existence of a few broken windows on a structure

that remain in disrepair, leading to additional disorderly conduct and more windows
being broken, litter being thrown on the property grounds, graffiti, and vandalism,
D eventually leading to more major crimes such as squatting, drug use, fires, and even
E rape or murder at that structure. When this theory was applied to law enforcement

C in New York City in the mid-1980s, the focus on addressing disorderly criminal
E behavior targeted graffiti, toll-machine jumping, public drinking, panhandlers, and

P prostitution. While these all seemed to be minor crimes in comparison to the rob-
T bery, burglaries, murders, and drug dealing for example, the application of the theo-
I ry was that cracking down on these small offenses, worked to create a more orderly

O environment that people would more readily see and that would create an atmo-
N sphere where people would be less tolerable of disorderly conduct. Persons that

routinely perform minor criminal acts would be held responsible by coming into

contact with law enforcement officials more frequently and would not commit more
serious crimes. In addition, citizens would feel more comfortable reporting crime to
law enforcement more frequently if they felt that there concerns were not viewed as

petty or a waste of time. This would lead to citizens feeling more sense of control
and order in their communities.

Misapplication of Theory to Code Enforcement

Like the examples given previously regarding abandoned homes, the environment
that exists due to persistent poor conditions create unfavorable settings that chal-
lenges the norms that we all live by through our codes, creates a feeling of disorder,

and promotes an atmosphere that leads to further deterioration and neglect. When
public administration practitioners try to apply the broken windows theory to code

enforcement, it is easy to mistakenly implement programs where the belief is that
increased attention to addressing code violations for minor code violations such as
property maintenance, landscaping, and improper parking will lead to more safer

and attractive neighborhoods. While there is no doubt that a direct relationship does
exist between increased attention on obtaining adherence to property maintenance

codes results in more attractive communities, this is not the premise of the theory of
broken windows but rather just a causal relationship between the attention of code
enforcement regarding a particular area and the result from obtaining compliance.

Any area where code enforcement is focusing its attention will most likely attain

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