Zero Tolerance

• What is it?

  • prevent crime by clamping down on the first signs of petty crime and disorder
• What theory informs the policy?

  • Wilson and Kelling: Right Realism, Broken Window Theory
• Application

  • New York City Port Authority Bus Terminal: saw a 39% reduction in crime and a 49% reduction in murder
  • Middlesborough: saw a 20% reduction in crime over 18 months
• Arguments For

  • works well in cities that can have a large police presence
  • can deter criminals by sending a message to potential offenders that their action will not be tolerated
  • supports Right Realism
• Arguments Against

  • can lead to unfair treatment of certain groups and distrust of the police
  • can lead to claims of heavy handedness by the police
• Does it Work?

  • worked in both New York and Middlesborough
  • crime could be being displaced, not stopped