Zero Tolerance essays

Zero Tolerance essays The idea behind zero tolerance policing is that a strong law enforcement approach to minor crime (in particular public order offenses) will prevent more serious crime from occurring and will ultimately lead to falling crime rates. Zero tolerance policies are based on the broken windows theory by Wilson and Kelling. An unrepaired window is a sign that no-one cares and therefore more damage will occur. Zero tolerance policies feel that if disorderly behavior is not dealt with in a particular area, then more serious crime will be the result. Nuisances such as public drunkenness, vandalism, begging and so forth create an atmosphere where more serious crime can occur. The zero tolerance approach was originally introduced by the New York Police Department and Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. Based on the information I have read, it appears that New Yorks crime rate dropped drastically during the period in which there were zero tolerance policies. According to statistics since 1993, major crime in New York City has fallen by 39% and murder has fallen by 73%. Whether it was this approach, or some other factor, which was responsible for the recent falls in crime in New York and elsewhere, I am unsure. One theory for the decreased crime rate is that fewer people are involved in the crack epidemic which swept the city in the 1980s and early 1990s. Another theory is that the majority of the offenders responsible for crime in the 1980s are now in prison. Some of the opponents of the zero tolerance policies state that the police are based on a punishment mentality, which creates fear and distrust in many communities. The most serious complaints about "Zero Tolerance" revolve around police brutality. Other opponent of zero tolerance policies feel that zero-tolerance policing means zero tolerance for certain people mainly black males who are disproportionately arrested and convicted of crimes. ...