Neighborhood Physical Environment and Violent Crime in Milwaukee

• In Event: Geography, Place, and Social Ecology

Abstract

From broken windows theory (Wilson & Kelling, 1982; Zimbardo, 1969) to crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) strategies (Jeffery, 1977), the role of the physical environment in relation to crime continues to pique the interest of urban planners, community organizations, and the public. What are the particular aspects and characteristics of a place that determine its relationship to crime? Previous research has examined the relationship between the physical environment and crime using broken windows theory (e.g. Wilson & Kelling, 1982; Zimbardo, 1969) and opportunity theory (Lee & Alshalan, 2005; Cohen & Felson, 1979; Jeffery, 1977). Both theories examine the physical environment but have different underlying mechanisms. While broken windows theory posits that signs of disorder signal to criminals that social control in the area is weak and invite further crime, opportunity theory posits that certain characteristics of the physical environment foster opportunities for committing crime. Furthermore, the effect of the physical environment on crime may depend on the social characteristics of neighborhoods (Teh, 2008; Wilcox, Quisenberry, Cabrera, & Jones, 2004). The current study uses data from Milwaukee Census tracts (N=210) to compare broken windows theory and opportunity theory, while also testing for interaction effects with social disorganization variables.

Author

• Jenna Nitkowski, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee