What is the “Broken Windows Theory?”

The Broken Windows theory refers to an article by sociologists Dr. James Q. Wilson and Dr. George Kelling that first appeared in the Atlantic Monthly in March 1982. In that article, the authors put forth the hypothesis that general disorder in communities contributes to the rise of serious crimes. The article focused on the analogy of a broken window. If a window is broken and not repaired quickly, soon more windows will be broken as the perception that no one cares about the building. When many of the windows have been broken, the feeling is created that no one cares about the street and soon other structures will be vandalized. Other quality of life crimes begin to establish themselves, litter accumulates and drug and gang activities become more common. Gradually, this disorder makes residents feel unsafe and they abandon the street to the “dangerous elements” that they believe already have control. This exacerbates the problem, causing the sale of homes and the failure businesses. Soon the area becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, experiencing serious crime. Since that first article, several studies by George Kelling and others have revealed strong link between quality of life crimes, citizen fear, and the rise of serious crime, confirming Broken Windows Theory.

Litter and graffiti can act like broken windows. If not corrected these problems create the impression that no one cares about the area and making it seem dangerous. Think about it. What are some of the clues that you use to determine if a neighborhood is safe or prosperous? The absence of litter and graffiti are probably on your list. The good news is that just as broken windows can be fixed, so can litter and graffiti problems. We all have a part to play in keeping our neighborhoods free of these dual threats. To find out more about the Broken Windows theory, read “Fixing Broken Windows Restoring Order and Reducing Crime in Our Communities” by George Kelling.

Litter Prevention Basics

Did You Know?

Much of littering is accidental. For example, it flies out of truck beds or blow away from setting at the curb for pickup.

Many types of roadside trash take years, if not hundreds of years, to disintegrate.

Local, state and federal governments spend millions of dollars in tax money annually removing litter due to carelessness – money needed for other important services.

Litter detracts from our state’s and communities beauty, decreases property values and, over time, could cost Jacksonville in economic value.

Abandoned tires, left to collect water, breed mosquitoes and vermin increasing the health to surrounding neighborhoods.

What is Litter?

Litter is misplaced solid waste. That includes paper, cigarette butts, illegal signs, abandoned cars, old tires, furniture, appliances and any other items that are disposed improperly.

Why Do People Litter?

People litter for one of three reasons. The feel like it’s OK to litter:

Where they feel no sense of ownership for the property.

Where someone else will clean up after them.

Where litter has already accumulated.

What Can You Do?

There are many ways that you can help eliminate litter in your community. Here are some simple steps you can take to help prevent litter:

Set an example by not littering.

Pick up one piece of litter every day.

If you haul materials in the back of a truck, be sure to cover your load. Much of the litter on our roadways is accidentally blown out of the back of trucks.

Make sure your trash can have lids that be securely attached. If you have curbside service, don’t put out uncovered containers or open boxes filled with trash.

Carry a litterbag in your car. Try reusing your plastic grocery bags. They make great car litterbags!

Secure papers before placing them in a curbside trash can or recycling bin. Loose papers can be blown by the wind.

Are you or someone in your family a part of a civic group, scouting, or recreational sports program? How about suggesting a cleanup as a public service project? Or find out how you can plant or maintain flowers along a curb, sidewalk or in your local park. People litter less where areas have been beautified.

The most successful way to prevent littering in your community is to have an ongoing, organized program that involves local government, businesses, civic groups, the media, schools and private citizens. Please, Keep Jacksonville Beautiful!