This time, as a story about the environment where crime is likely to occur, we will talk about the relationship between regional disorder (disruption of order and public morals) and the occurrence of crime. I would like to explain the "broken window theory".
The Broken Window Theory states, "If one broken window is left unrepaired, it becomes a symbol that no one is paying attention to the building, and soon other windows will be broken one after another. Then, garbage is thrown away, and eventually the local environment deteriorates, and violent crimes occur frequently.” is the crime theory.Looking at it the other way around, it can be said that by responding quickly to small disturbances and problems through activities such as cleaning parks and local areas and erasing graffiti, it will be effective in preventing crimes that will occur in the future.
For example, since 1994, Mayor Giuliani of New York City, which was once a crime-prone city, applied this theory to repair broken windows, remove graffiti, and strengthen crackdowns on minor crimes. As a result, the crime rate has decreased significantly.
Even in Japan, it has been pointed out that crime is likely to occur in parks where trash cans are left unattended and in vacant lots where weeds grow.Leaving litter and weeds on the ground sends the message that no one is taking care of the place.
As a familiar example, if a mischievous poster on the wall of a school is left unattended, the poster will soon be torn up and graffiti will begin.If the graffiti is left unattended, the morals in the classroom and on campus will steadily decline, and eventually, school equipment and buildings may be destroyed, and major problems may occur.
"It's about graffiti", "About being late", "A little bit of a fight", "A little bit of a rule violation", and if you leave that little thing like "It's okay" or "It's okay because other people are doing it", " We will create scenarios such as indifference, inability to judge right and wrong, and turmoil.
The important thing is not to overlook minor rule violations or problems.The Broken Windows theory expresses that if one small rule violation is overlooked, morale will gradually decline, and eventually it will become like a lawless zone.This applies not only to criminal behavior, but also to morality in schools and public places.
If you neglect things like being late, picking snacks, and breaking rules, your morals will steadily decline.Reform will be difficult if the culture that is allowed is completed.In other words, it is important to pay attention to the details and improve them before they get to the big things.
Citation
Wilson, JQ, & Kelling, G. (1982). Broken windows: The police and neighborhood safety. Atlantic Monthly, March, pp.29-38.
