George Kelling

George Kelling was an American criminologist best known for his work on the "broken windows" theory of policing, which he developed with James Q. Wilson in the 1980s. This theory suggests that addressing minor offenses, like vandalism and public disorder, can help prevent more serious crimes. Kelling argued that maintaining order in neighborhoods fosters a sense of community and safety, ultimately reducing crime rates. His ideas influenced police practices in many cities, promoting proactive measures to improve urban environments and enhance public safety through community engagement and maintenance of public spaces.