Wednesday, March 08, 2006

Broken Window theory....

Chief Bratton has always said that community policing and the Senior Lead Officer Program are important because they address the quality of life issues that can lead to crime. Basically, he bases his policing techniques on James Q. Wilson & George L. Kelling's much-touted "Broken Window Theory" which basically says that if a house has a broken window, someone will break in, and a chain reaction will commence that leads to the rise in crime and a decline of the neighborhood.

So, as a challenge and example, I give you the following situation:



An actual broken window!


This is on the north side of Pico, about a block east of Bundy. Notice the actual broken window, which has lead to graffiti, trash, and a general neglected property. How do the other businesses feel about this? What are Bratton & the LAPD, the City Attorney's Neighborhood Prosecutor Program, the Department of Building & Safety, the Mayor's Office, and/or the City Council Office doing about this? How long before more crimes occur in this area and other businesses leave?

This is an interesting study because it is in the middle of a vibrant commercial area, and this store front is clearly out of place. I wonder how long before it's addressed?

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