West Village Museum Puts Broken Windows Policing On Trial

WEST VILLAGE, NY — A West Village pop-up created by the New York Civil Liberties Union will take a critical look at broken windows policing — a theory that enforces low-level offenses to prevent more serious crimes.

The "Museum of Broken Windows" is coming to 9 West Eighth Street from Sept. 22-30, showcasing the works of some 30 artists on the lasting impacts of the law enforcement method. Several of the artists' pieces riff off of their direct experiences with broken windows, including some who were incarcerated, to illustrate how the practice can fracture New Yorkers, said the advocacy director with the New York Civil Liberties Union.

“Broken Windows policing has turned neighborhoods into occupation zones, torn apart families in communities of color, and hyper-criminalized minor offenses like jumping turnstiles or smoking marijuana," said Johanna Miller in a statement to Patch.

"The goal of the Museum is to bring the emotional, physical and societal impacts of this style of policing to life for all New Yorkers, and spark a critical conversation about what it means to be and feel safe in this city."

Although it was first practiced in New York City, the theory behind broken windows policing was invented across the river in Newark, New Jersey. Criminologist George Kelling and his colleague James Wilson circulated the idea in The Atlantic where the pair famously used the analogy that a broken window, left unattended, would signal that no one cared and ultimately lead to more disorder and even crime.

In practice, broken windows is synonymous with misdemeanor arrests and summonses. Between 2010 and 2015, the NYPD issued 1.8 million quality of life summonses for offenses including disorderly conduct, public urination and possessing small amounts of marijuana.

Felony crime rates, meanwhile, declined. But there is much debate, including within the NYPD, on whether the drop in felony crime is linked to the quality of life summonses or misdemeanor arrests, which heavily target minorities.

With the birth of the Black Lives Matter movement, pressure has mounted to eliminate broken windows entirely and the New York Civil Liberties Union aims to urge Mayor Bill de Blasio to abandon the practice in New York City by exploring its impact on residents.

"Ultimately, we hope visitors will join the calls to force the Mayor to give up on this failed policing strategy," said Miller.

The "Museum of Broken Windows" at 9 West Eighth Street will open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Sept. 22-30.

Lead photo of "American Dreamers (Phase 2)" by Jordan Weber. The piece is made from a police car, dirt and plants from Ferguson, Missouri and will be featured in the "Museum of Broken Windows." (Courtesy of Jordan Weber/New York Civil Liberties Union)