Final answer:
Broken-windows policing emphasizes maintaining order in communities, based on the theory that addressing small issues reduces crime by communicating social norms are enforced. Zero-Tolerance Policing, a harsher and controversial application, was initially confused with this theory. Rehabilitation efforts, nevertheless, prove more effective than punishment in reducing future crime.
Step-by-step explanation:
Broken-windows policing stresses the importance of maintaining order. This concept derives from the Broken Windows Theory, which posits that visual disrepair and disorder in a neighborhood can lead to increased incidence of criminal activities, as it signals to potential criminals that the area has a low level of social control and community investment. The theory suggests that by addressing and correcting small problems, such as broken windows or graffiti, a message is conveyed that the area is monitored and that social norms are enforced, thereby deterring crime.
Zero-Tolerance Policing is a strategy that some have linked to Broken Windows Theory, implementing harsh measures for even minor offenses under the assumption that it prevents bigger crimes. However, this application has been controversial and is arguably a misinterpretation of the original theory. It did not distinguish between disorder caused by physical conditions and disorderly behavior by individuals.
In contrast to punitive approaches like Zero-Tolerance Policing, rehabilitation efforts have shown to be more effective at reducing recidivism. Rehabilitation can include drug treatment, educational programs, vocational training, therapy, and counseling, all aimed at transforming offenders into law-abiding, healthier members of society.
While punishment and detention have been dominant features of the American criminal justice system, there has been growing recognition that rehabilitation and preventive measures are critical for reducing crime in the long term. Balancing these varied approaches—punishment, rehabilitation, prevention, and restorative justice—will depend on the costs and benefits associated with each and the type of crime involved.