Oft imitated, this strategy resulted in an astonishing drop in crimes citywide. The crime reduction follows fair Gotham's declaration of war on graffiti artists and turnstile hoppers simply because bigger, deadlier crimes flourish in an atmosphere that lacks concern for minor crimes. From panhandling to assault, even murder is a small yet logical leap. Zero tolerance for any breakdown in social norms is zero tolerance for any breakdown in social norms. By stopping loitering, you've set the stage for stopping murder.
Jewish tradition teaches that from the small, great emerges.
A hurricane is simply individual water molecules harnessed together. The Torah understood. The NYPD understood. Rabbi Akiva, witnessing drop after drop of water destroying solid rock, understood. Richie Cunningham understood better than almost anyone.