Broken Windows Theory of Policing to Reduce Online Crime

Exploring Ways that Online Platforms Have Neglected Their Users and Not Consistently Enforcement Their Own Rules

Primary Category: Online Criminology

Author:
•  Tim McGuinness, Ph.D. – Anthropologist, Scientist, Director of the Society of Citizens Against Relationship Scams Inc.

About This Article

The “Broken Windows” theory of policing, which emphasizes addressing minor infractions to prevent more serious crime, can be applied to combat online crime by maintaining order in digital spaces.

As online crime has surged in recent years, platforms need to focus on strict enforcement of rules against small offenses like spam, fake accounts, and minor cyber threats to prevent escalation into larger issues like identity theft, phishing, or hacking. By proactively monitoring activity, empowering users to report suspicious behavior, and fostering a secure online environment, platforms can create a culture of accountability.

Swift action against minor misconduct, collaboration with cybersecurity experts, and maintaining visible security measures can help prevent serious cybercrime and establish trust among users.

The Theory of Broken Windows in Policing Can Help With Reduce Online Crime

For the last two and a half decades, we have seen a continuous increase in online crime. The only real reductions took place in 2017 through 2019, but since then it has been growing at 70+% per year.

A theory that sheds some light on this is the ‘Broken Window’ theory of policing.

What is the Broken Windows Theory of Policing?

The “Broken Windows” theory of policing, developed by social scientists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling in the early 1980s, suggests that visible signs of disorder and neglect, such as broken windows, graffiti, or public loitering, can lead to an increase in crime. The idea is that if minor issues are not addressed, it creates an environment where more serious crimes are more likely to occur.

Key principles of the theory:

• Disorder Breeds Crime: Small signs of neglect, like a broken window, signal that no one is taking care of the property or neighborhood. This perceived lack of oversight can encourage further disorder, leading to more serious criminal activity.

• Prevention Through Maintenance: By addressing minor offenses like vandalism, public intoxication, or fare evasion, police and communities can maintain order and prevent an escalation into more serious crimes. The theory supports the idea that maintaining a well-ordered environment helps prevent crime from taking root.

• Community Involvement: It also emphasizes the role of community members in keeping neighborhoods safe. When people actively care for and maintain their surroundings, it can create a sense of shared responsibility, discouraging criminal behavior.

Critics of the theory argue that it has sometimes led to over-policing and disproportionately affects marginalized communities. Nonetheless, it has influenced policing strategies like “zero-tolerance” approaches, particularly in cities like New York in the 1990s.

Understanding ‘Broken Windows’ in the Online Space

The “Broken Windows” theory can be applied to online crime by emphasizing the importance of addressing minor Read More …