The 'Broken Windows' Theory

The "broken windows" theory suggests that minor offences such as loitering, graffiti, public drunkenness, and illegal vendors, if left unaddressed, could lead to further deterioration of the neighborhood. Author Bernard Harcourt says it doesn't work. " Karen Grigsby Bates interviews author Bernard Harcourt, whose new book, Illusion of Order, criticizes the "broken windows" style of policing. A leading proponents of that style is former New York City police commissioner, William Bratton, who last week became chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. [Streaming audio, 8 mins.]

Thanks to Abhijeet Chavan