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Residents invited to learn innovative ways to make communities safer
Feb. 9, 2011
Kelly Corsette, Communications and Public Affairs Officer,
(480) 312-2336, kcorsette@scottsdaleaz.gov
Residents invited to learn innovative ways to make communities safer
Scottsdale residents will have an opportunity to hear from the “co-father” of a policing theory that helps communities realize fewer crimes.
“Broken windows” theorist Dr. George Kelling, along with former New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton, will present “Keeping Americans Safe: Best Practices to Improve Community Policing and to Protect the Public.” The free program will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at the Scottsdale Public Library Auditorium, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. The Goldwater Institute is sponsoring the program.
The “broken windows” theory states that people are more likely to commit crimes in neighborhoods that appear unwatched and uncared for by residents and local authorities. It is closely aligned to community-based policing which asserts that community interaction and support can help control crime and reduce fear, with community members helping to identify suspects, detain vandals and bring problems to the attention of police.
Bratton put into practice Kelling’s theory during the 1990s. In two years, murder declined by 39 percent, robberies by about 33 percent and burglaries by 25 percent.
Scottsdale Police Department Chief Alan Rodbell says, “These philosophies help reduce crimes and increase the public’s trust in how we do our jobs.”
Two local examples: Police officers worked with the business community to deter the number of scrap metal thefts in the hardest hit areas of the city. It resulted in 27 arrests – some for the copper thefts, some for other unrelated crimes. In another case, police worked with various internal and external agencies to help relocate 20 families in jeopardy of homelessness due to the foreclosure of their apartment complex. Through this process, the police became aware criminal activity was taking root in vacant properties. They quickly moved to action, working with area residents and other agencies to address the issues. As a result, both criminal activity and calls for service to the police department were reduced dramatically.
The latest approach to the “broken windows” theory consolidates the best practices adopted by the most innovative police departments. It provides a framework for policing that is consistent with community values and priorities; makes a commitment to the ultimate objective of keeping people safe; and produces more measurable outcomes.
RSVPs are not needed for the Feb. 17 program. For additional information, contact Linda Pellegrini at (480) 312-2511.
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