Analysis of broken windows policing in Milwaukee

December 3, 2003 Do Not Buy Broken Windows Policing if it Does Not Fit In 1996 Milwaukee first adopted a "broken windows" policing policy--a zero tolerance approach toward minor public nuisance offenses. The policy was expected to reduce more violent crime rates, but there is no research and it is probably too early to speculate on any correlation between violent crime rates and the increased citations for public nuisance offenses. The zero tolerance policy has reduced many public …

…lead to dangerous clashes between police and communities. "Broken Windows" policing may reduce overall crime in the future, or it may only reduce public nuisances, but in order for it to have any success in communities, the police need to tailor unique policing strategies to solve the unique stresses of individual communities. The Milwaukee police followed a blanket no tolerance policy for all communities and now are faced with irritation and animosity from many communities.