In 1982, Kelling and Wilson proposed the famous “Broken Windows” theory that resulted in many changes in police patrol emphasis. Recent studies have resulted in some professional disagreement with the original theory. Again, using recent academic references, briefly discuss the theory and whether you believe it should be considered valid for police resource utilization.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Revisiting the “Broken Windows” Theory: A Critical Analysis of Its Validity for Modern Policing
In 1982, George Kelling and James Q. Wilson introduced the “Broken Windows” theory, which suggested that visible signs of disorder and neglect in a community, such as broken windows, could lead to an increase in crime if left unaddressed. The theory proposed that by focusing on minor offenses and maintaining public order, police could prevent more serious crimes from occurring.
Evolution of the Theory
While the “Broken Windows” theory had a significant impact on policing strategies, recent studies have raised questions about its effectiveness and implications for police resource utilization. Some researchers argue that the theory may have led to over-policing in certain communities, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations and perpetuating social inequalities.
A study by Braga et al. (2019) found mixed results when evaluating the impact of “Broken Windows” policing on crime rates. While some studies showed a correlation between targeted enforcement of minor offenses and reductions in crime, others questioned the long-term sustainability and community relations of such practices.
Validity for Police Resource Utilization
In light of these recent academic findings and professional disagreements, it is essential to critically evaluate the validity of the “Broken Windows” theory for police resource utilization in modern policing. While addressing visible signs of disorder can contribute to neighborhood revitalization and community engagement, a one-size-fits-all approach to policing may not be suitable for diverse and complex urban environments.
Police departments should consider a more holistic and evidence-based approach to resource allocation, taking into account community needs, crime trends, and social determinants of crime. Investing in community policing, problem-oriented policing, and data-driven strategies can lead to more sustainable outcomes and foster trust between law enforcement and the public.
Therefore, while elements of the “Broken Windows” theory can still be relevant in certain contexts, it should be complemented by contemporary research, community input, and a balanced approach to resource utilization. Policing strategies that prioritize crime prevention, community partnerships, and procedural justice are more likely to achieve long-term success and enhance public safety without sacrificing civil liberties or exacerbating social disparities.’
