Broken Windows Theory Case Study

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First, when Mr. Lembo was probation officer he made sure the probationers obeyed the terms of their probation. Mr. Lembo ensured the probationers went to their AA classes, anger management classes, mental health classes, drug classes, etc. He also made sure the probationers were not breaking their curfew requirements set by the court. By monitoring all the conditions imposed by the court this essentially is preventing those criminals from committing new crimes. In addition, the fundamental goal of probation is to reduce criminality by addressing the underlying causes of crime, if those causes are addresses the risk of recidivism is reduced. Second, as a pre-sentence investigator Mr. Lembo assessed the offenders and screened out the high-risk offenders by keeping them in custody. Pre-sentence investigations in effect is a crime control measure because it ensures the wrong offenders aren’t let out to commit more crimes. Third, the probation officer is a critical entity …show more content…
Broken windows theory was proposed in 1982 by George Kelling and Dr. James Q Wilsons, it suggested disorder increased both crime and fear directly and indirectly. Broken windows theory also suggested environment instability and disorder influenced delinquent behavior and crime. Broken windows theory is based on the visual conditions of a neighborhood in regards to deviance. Broken windows theory recommends that crime is not an effect of a broken down neighborhood, but rather a magnet for crime and delinquency due to disorganization. Broken windows influenced a rise in police presence and transformed police work two decades. Law enforcement started to focus more on victimless crimes (drug use, prostitution and vandalism) and created a shift in police resources to put forth efforts in protecting communities from crime. Under broken windows theory, law enforcement largely focused on broken down/hot zone areas within communities, which actually influenced racial inequality between Americans.

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