Enforcement just a part of Broken Windows Policing

One of the criticisms of Broken Windows Policing (which has come to Cole as part of Cole-Whittier Against Crime) often mentioned by civil libertarians is that it simply serves to further overburden the current "oppressive" criminal justice system with its increased enforcement of "lesser" and quality-of-life crimes--While ignoring the larger, structural problems in our society that in fact cause crime.

However, these critics seem to either be unaware of, or perhaps deliberately choose to ignore, that Broken Windows theorists share the opinion that the current American model of policing, (introduced in the 1930's as the "reform" model and now referred to as the "traditional" model), has failed society miserably.

In fact, Broken Windows proponents suggest that we should replace this flawed traditional model with a newer, progressive, "community policing model". One where police don't just fight crime and arrest bad guys, but instead elevate their role in the community to problem solver and even as ombudsmen to other public and private agencies.

While ambitious, supplementing or replacing our current criminal justice system with this newer, community-based system would in fact serve to address the structural causes of crime that seem to be so important to civil libertarians.

While anyone taking the time to read Kelling's book (I'm on pace to finish it this week) will learn about this community policing model, I have sought a concise, clear, online reference I could link to from this site to provide visitors the opportunity to learn about it to.

Just today I found that resource: Policing.com, a site created by Bonnie Bucqueroux, an expert in community policing with over 20 years experience. So, I highly recommend everyone take ten minutes to read her article on What Community Policing Teaches Us. And of course, if it piques your interest, pick up a copy of Kelling's Book.

Indeed, C-WAC already includes a community safety survey intended to convey residents' concerns, information about high-crime areas and key issues, and perceptions about the police department to officials to help guide, and on an ongoing basis, evaluate, the program. Additionally, foot- and bike-patrol is being incorporated to get officers out of their cars and into the community where they can better get to know (and be known) by the residents they protect. All these are components of Broken Windows and community policing.

All these are also small parts of an overall approach in true community policing that includes community courts that funnel offenders back into the communities that their injure, as well as city governments, prosecutors, as well as city and private agencies that are unified in their support and commitment to community policing.

Over time, will the Denver Police Department, through Cole-Whittier Against Crime, truly commit to community policing, or just focus on the easy part, the enforcement? I of course don't have that answer, but the fact that they (at least initially) seem to be beginning to embrace a community-based policing model in incorporating community guidance, feedback, and accountability into the program, I think is encouraging at the least. And, it's not likey true, sweeping community police reform will happen without first seeing smaller steps and successes along the way.

Realistically, such a profound change won't happen overnight, or without the continued participation of community leaders as well as police. It's our job as much as it is the police's to ensure accountability and that Cole-Whittier Against Crime is a success.

But to me, the potential upside of incorporating a community policing model in Denver, even if on a small scale, to me is so exciting, we need to give Cole-Whittier Against Crime a real chance, rather than assume the worst and doom it to fail.

Thanks for reading.