Paper Examines "Broken Windows" Theory in the UD

James P. Walden, finishing his master's degree in Public Administration at UALR, wrote his "capstone" paper on whether the "broken windows" theory is a good predictor of criminal activity in the University District.

The broken windows theory supposes that small maintenance problems--like broken windows--can give vandals and criminals the idea that nobody cares about an area. They would then feel that they can get away with misbehavior. The way to keep good order, according to the theory, is to fix problems early to prevent further deterioration. 

Mr. Walden used geographic information system techniques to map code enforcement complaints and crimes to see whether there is a significant coincidence of deteriorated property and criminal activity.

As it turns out, the hot spots for code enforcement complaints are not hot spots for crime inside University District neighborhoods. Mr. Walden did find a significant coincidence of code enforcement calls to criminal activity where residential areas are next to commercial property.
 
In Broadmoor, it appears that the code enforcement complaints are clustered around the residences of active board members and along their routes in and out of the neighborhood, and not where criminal activity has occurred.

Mr. Walden suggests that we all keep working together in the University District Partnership. Our neighborhood association is vital to building an active community of people who look out for each other.

Please take a look at the paper. It may get you thinking about things you can do to help keep Broadmoor a wonderful place to live.  Mr. Walden refers to several other ideas that we are implementing to improve our neighborhood. The maps are fascinating.

He points out that there are problem areas near the edges of University District neighborhoods. We are studying ways to use "Crime Prevention through Environmental Design" methods to give people entering Broadmoor an increased feeling that they are entering an area where we are all watching out for each other.

It is great that the University District is getting attention from students and faculty at UALR. This is a great benefit of the University District Partnership. One of Mr. Walden's advisors is Dr. David Sink, a long-time Broadmoor resident.