Page 25 - Novem December 2016

Applying the Broken Windows Theory to Code Enforcement in Urban Communities
address all minor violations in a quick and expeditious manner all of the time,

chances are that those efforts will only be effective during focused operations such
as sweeps, but will not be sustainable to create long term change. So the best ap-
proach to applying the broken windows theory to code enforcement would be to fo-

cus attention on those violations that would be considered to promote disorder and
look for other opportunities to augment your program to address minor violations.
D

E Here are just some examples of code violations that when left unchecked, may al-
C low similar behavior to proliferate and contribute to more serious violations:

E
P • Unmaintained abandoned homes
T

I • Storage of Junk Vehicles
O

N • Graffiti

• Illegal Dumping

• Open storage of junk items

• Bulk trash improperly placed throughout neighborhood

• Unauthorized use of vacant lots for social gatherings of other unpermitted activi-
ties

• Public nuisances and noise disturbances

• Unlicensed rooming houses and substandard housing

• Illegal uses such as unlicensed social clubs operating from residences

Similar to law enforcement crackdown on activities such as drug dealing and pros-
titution, code enforcement also has to concentrate its effort towards solving and
eliminating certain problems affecting a community to promote stability and a safe

environment. Significant reduction of the above problems may promote and foster a
sense of community pride and change behaviors and attitudes towards residents

25