The book has been described as a grass roots revolution against crime sweeping the country. According to Kelling, cities across the country have successfully implemented the Fixing Broken Windows model. A small percentage of urban locations contribute to a huge percentage of a community s crime. Police have rediscovered that basic levels of order must be maintained in cities. Disorder creates fear and invites serious crime.
Police solve specific problems, whether a troublesome tavern or a rash of car thefts.
Police persuade people to behave. At times, the persuasion may include the threat of or else, for police do represent the moral authority of the community and can mobilize it. Police enforce the law and arrest people. Police and order maintenance professionals working inside a neighborhood, equipped with adequate information and community support, can target the five percent who are not prepared to obey the law. They can do that even before laws are broken.