According to the broken windows theory, police attention to disorder (low-level offenses such as drunkenness or prostitution) will prevent or forestall acts of more serious crime. What is the main problem with this perspective?

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The main problem with the broken windows theory is that it led to the criminalization of poor minority communities. The theory assumes that disorderly behavior in public spaces leads to an increase in serious crimes and therefore focused police attention on enforcing low-level offenses. However, this approach disproportionately targeted low-income and minority communities, leading to over-policing and racial profiling. Additionally, research on the effectiveness of the theory in reducing crime has been mixed.

According to the Broken Windows Theory, Police Attention to Disorder