What is a core idea of the broken windows approach?

• A. "Zero tolerance" policy focusing on minor offenses
• B. Punishment for major crimes only
• C. Addressing minor disorder to prevent larger crime
• D. Mirroring offenders' past behavior

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that small signs of disorder and neglect in a community, if ignored, create an environment where more serious crime can flourish. By tackling minor problems—like graffiti, vandalism, or public disorder—police and communities maintain order and signal that rules are enforced. This helps deter larger offenses because potential offenders perceive greater informal social controls and a lower tolerance for disorder. So the option that describes addressing minor disorder to prevent larger crime is the best fit.

Zero tolerance is often discussed in this context, but the broken windows concept centers on resolving visible disorder to prevent escalation, not necessarily punishing every minor offense. The idea of punishing only major crimes misses the preventive focus on maintaining order to head off more serious wrongdoing. Mirroring offenders’ past behavior isn’t related to this theory.