Which concept posits that addressing small-scale disorder can reduce overall crime?

• A. Civil Liberties Review
• B. Investigation Activities
• C. Fixing Broken Windows
• D. Community Engagement

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is that small signs of disorder can create a sense that laws aren’t being enforced, which may lead to more serious crime. By promptly fixing broken windows, addressing graffiti, litter, loitering, and other minor problems, the environment stays orderly and signals that crime won’t be tolerated. This helps deter escalation and improves residents’ perception of safety, which can reduce overall crime. This is the essence of the broken windows concept, popularized to explain how maintaining order in neighborhoods can influence crime levels. The other items focus on rights, investigations, or community work in general, but they don’t capture the link between tidying up minor disorder and reducing crime in the same way.