The Chronicle: Colloquy: Responses

The issue here ..."broken windows" -- the idea that neighborhoods where minor signs of decay are neglected open the door to more serious crime. I agree. Having been a jail administrator of a southern city and having established inmate work details to clean up and maintain the inner city because of the "broken windows" theory, I've walked a mile and more in these shoes. I've been out with crews, other department heads who provided equipment and tools also saw it first hand. We went into areas where the city police department wouldn't go without a SWAT team. Community self esteem improved in the areas we would work. Citizens did feel safe. They would come outside while the inmate crews were in the area. They felt safe because correctional officers were there and they were armed. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

: -- Jim , retired jail administrator (Certified Georgia Police Officer) (posted 2/5, 10:25 a.m., U.S. Eastern time)

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