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Applying the Broken Windows Theory to Code Enforcement in Urban Communities
• Cross-training of other staff to increase enforcement authority of agencies with

similar code enforcement needs such as public works, engineering, public service
aides, fire departments, building inspections, zoning, environmental, health agen-
cies, social services. Examples: A social worker that visits a home that is poorly

maintained may be trained to identify minimum housing standards and provide a
courtesy notice that will later be referred to code enforcement or a housing assis-

tance program if not corrected. A public works employee that notices a trash pile D
that was illegally dumped on a privately owned vacant lot who is authorized to E
request an immediate pickup of the trash or post a notice of abatement for the prop- C

erty owner. E
P
• Homeowner and Business Owner manuals and guides that provide code compli- T
ance information, assistance programs, and contact information for other regulatory I

agencies. O

N
• Signs throughout neighborhood indicating certain restrictions such as prohibited
commercial vehicle parking, storage of inoperable vehicles, bulk trash rules and

timeframes.

In code enforcement, if code officers were to become very nitpicky in what codes
are enforced and community members were to feel that inadequate attention is be-

ing given to more serious ones, it probably wouldn’t take long before complaints
to the local government come pouring in from voters and a refocus sought by lo-

cal officials and political leaders. As with the application of the theory to crimes, it
is not just focusing attention on minor crimes, likewise minor code violations, but
the type of minor issues chosen to be addressed that is the key. The goal is to link

code enforcement efforts with a theory that is based on crime prevention through
the appearance of a well-maintained and orderly environment. While residents who

are aware that minor code violations are treated seriously should become hesitant to
commit more serious violations, chances are that this may not be the case. The elim-
ination of minor violations may not prevent more serious crimes or code violations

from occurring when you take into consideration the factors related to the more
serious offenses such as economics and opportunity. In criminology, one of the most

significant deterrents to criminal behavior is the lack of opportunity and reduced
chance of getting away with a crime. This is why it may be more unlikely that a
person will illegally park a car in their gated community if they feel the chance of it

being towed is extremely high. If your jurisdiction does not have enough staff to

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