Assignment Front Sheet

Student ID No:

Course Code No: LF64 Year: 1

Module Code: CF103

Module Title: Introduction to Policing

Tutor: Serena Rimo

Assignment Type/Title: Essay

Deadline: 7/12/2023

Word count: 1500

I confirm that in submitting this assignment:-

1) The assignment is my own work and has not been previously submitted in relation to
any other module.

2) I have read and understood the College regulations regarding Plagiarism and academic
offences and this work conforms to the requirements set out in those documents.
Zero tolerance policing assignment:

When considering the effectiveness of Zero-Tolerance Policing, it is necessary to compare

and contrast this model to other policing models, for example, the Problem-Oriented
Policing model. Dur and Van Der Weele (2013: NK) believe that Zero-Tolerance Policing ‘is a
strategy that aims to reduce minor offences and more serious crime through relentless
order maintenance and aggressive law enforcement, against even minor disorder and
incivilities.’ This suggests that the Police can assess minor offences every day to ensure
these offences do not increase and progress into more serious crimes. The Police attempt
to overcome minor criminal activities like littering, graffiti, or other anti-social behaviour.
They can overcome this by issuing on-the-spot fines. For example, in the UK, a person
who drops litter can face a fixed penalty charge ranging from £150 to £2,500 if the
offender is prosecuted and convicted in court (Keep Britain Tidy, 2023). An alternative
policing approach, Problem-Oriented Policing, aims to identify the specific underlying
causes of crime (College of Policing, 2020). The model aims to prevent and control
behaviour threatening life or property, assist crime victims, and protect people in danger
of physical harm. Tilley (cited in Newburn, 2008). Law enforcement agencies can use this
model to identify why individuals commit crimes and consider effective solutions to
decrease offences like violent crimes. This model can also be implemented to protect
crime victims and to redirect offenders (Mayor of London, 2023). To protect victims of
crime and increase public confidence, this approach liaises with the community to solve
neighbourhood crimes like loud noise. This model works with the community to develop
solutions to tackle situations and meet the needs of the community. Therefore, improving
their quality of life. (Scott, 2002)

When comparing the Zero-Tolerance Policing model and the Problem-Oriented model,
there are some key differences to consider. The focus and aim of the Problem-Oriented
Policing model is to identify and find ways to address the underlying causes of crime. This
model is a proactive approach to recognise the problem before it turns into criminal
activity as opposed to the Zero-Tolerance Policing model, which reacts after the event has
occurred (College of Policing, 2023). In comparison to the Problem-Oriented model, the
Zero-Tolerance Policing model is a stricter approach and prioritises immediate actions
against minor offences. In contrast, the Problem-Oriented Policing model focuses on
tackling recurring crimes in the community regardless of how minor or significant the
offence is. This approach attempts to create a long-term solution for the crime, unlike
Zero-Tolerance Policing, which prioritises an immediate deterrent for the crime
committed. (College of Policing, 2023).

Another difference between the Zero-Tolerance Policing model and the Problem-Oriented
Policing model is the level of the public’s trust. Due to the Zero-Tolerance Policing model
being strict and aggressive, this may lead to a negative public opinion. Those who oppose
the Zero-Tolerance Policing model may view this model as unfair or excessively harsh.
Therefore, this may destroy the public’s trust in the Police and additional law
enforcement agencies (Justice Inspectorates, 2023). In comparison, the Problem-Oriented
policing model focuses on working with the community and the Police by identifying
solutions to crime. As a result, this may increase the public’s trust in law enforcement and
the public perception (College of Policing, 2020). Overall, both models significantly differ
in the level of public trust.

Whilst considering both models, there are also similarities between them. For example,
both models focus on the prevention of crime. The Zero-Tolerance Policing model and the
Problem-Oriented model both aim to reduce crime rates. Additionally, both models use a
proactive approach to address the underlying causes of crime rather than just responding
to it as it happens. By addressing these causes of crime, both models can create a safer
community environment. Once both models successfully manage the root causes of
crime, they can actively reduce crime rates. Both models can identify the leading causes
of crime and can strive to work alongside the community that will accept the Police
presence (Hinkle, J).

Both models involve law enforcement agencies, most importantly, the Police, to be able
to identify issues within the community and to solve these issues. In both models, they
are actively involved within the community. Zero-Tolerance Policing is involved by strictly
reducing anti-social behaviour in the community. These actions can improve the quality of
life. (GOV.UK, 2023). The Problem-Oriented Policing model involves identifying
community issues. This model liaises with different law enforcement agencies and the
residents of the communities themselves to gain trust and find effective, practical
solutions. Overall, in both models, the main enforcement agency involved is the Police,
who attempt to find a solution to solve crime (Jones, 2023). The Police aim to reduce
crime by relentless order maintenance and aggressive law enforcement Justice
Inspectorates, 2023). This could aim to stop the progression of minor crimes progressing
into more serious crimes. Zero-Tolerance Policing can also deter criminals by this
aggressive law enforcement. For example, a hefty on the spot fine for literally can deter
the offender themselves and the public to not litter as they will not want to receive the
fine.

When considering the effectiveness of the Zero-Tolerance Policing model, there are some
advantages and disadvantages.

One strength of the Zero-Tolerance Policing model is that it seems to work. For example,
this model has successfully been applied in Liverpool, a city with a relatively high crime
rate. This model was introduced in Liverpool in 2005, and recorded crime fell by 25.7% in
the three years leading up to 2008, with violent crime decreasing by 38% (Revise
Sociology, 2016). These figures show that Zero Tolerance Policing is an effective method
of crime reduction.

Another practical application for Zero-Tolerance policing is the first introduction in New
York in 1994. This city had high levels of antisocial behaviour and violent crimes. Within a
few years of introducing the model, crime had dropped between 30% and 50%
(ReviseSociology, 2016). This shows that the Zero-Tolerance Policing model effectively
reduces crime in New York. However, this model may only be effective in some cities.

However, there are many weaknesses of the Zero-Tolerance Policing model. This model in
New York resulted in an increase in more people being arrested for marijuana possession.
Twenty-five thousand individuals were arrested yearly by 2012, with approximately one
person arrested every 10 minutes. Some of these individuals arrested lost their jobs or
rental houses as a result of this marijuana possession. If the statements about labelling
theory are correct, these individuals will find it challenging to find employment in the
future due to their criminal record (ReviseSociology, 2016).

Another weakness is that this model may be racist. Statistics show that 85% of the people
who have dealt with Zero-Tolerance Policing in New York were either Black or Hispanic
(ReviseSociology, 2016). This can raise questions about whether there may be bias in
implementing this approach, as this raises concerns about whether certain communities
are being treated more unfairly than others.

A final weakness of the Zero-Tolerance Policing model is that analysis shows that there
are other reasons why crime is reducing. Crime has decreased without the
implementation Zero-Tolerance techniques in the UK and the US. Also, individuals now
spend more time online than in the streets (ReviseSociology,2016). From October 2023,
there were approximately 5.3 billion internet users worldwide; from this total, 4.95 billion
of the world’s population were social media users (Petrosyan, 2023). However, rather
than Zero-Tolerance techniques reducing crime, the real reasons for crime decreasing are
the declining use of drugs and even abortion (ReviseSociology, 2016).

In conclusion, Zero-Tolerance Policing can be effective to a certain extent. For example,

Zero-Tolerance Policing effectively reduce crimes like public disorder crimes, littering,
begging and other anti-social behaviours. (ReviseSociology, 2016). Clamping down on
minor crimes can then act as a deterrent to prevent more serious crimes from happening.
Although Zero-Tolerance Policing can be effective for these types of crimes, it may not be
effective for others. For example, gang-related violence or drug addiction may require a
broader approach like rehabilitation and focus on the social factors as to why these
individuals have committed this crime. With the Zero-Tolerance techniques attempting to
implement punishment and strict rules, it may not address the underlying causes of
crime, such as genetics or mental illness like Schizophrenia.
Reference list:

College policing., 2021. Zero tolerance policing. Available from:

https://www.college.police.uk/research/what-works-policing-reduce-crime/zero-
tolerance (Accessed on 22 November 2023).

College policing., 2021. Zero tolerance policing. Available from:

https://www.college.police.uk/research/what-works-policing-reduce-crime/zero-
tolerance#:~:text=Broken%20windows%20theory%20is%20often,the%20area%20will
%20quickly%20escalate (Accessed on 22 November 2023).

College of policing., 2020. Problem-oriented policing. Available from:

https://www.college.police.uk/research/crime-reduction-toolkit/problem-oriented-
policing (Accessed on 22 November 2023).

College of policing., 2023. Problem-oriented Policing guidelines. Available from:

https://www.college.police.uk/article/problem-oriented-policing-pop-
guidelines#:~:text=9Problem%2Doriented%20policing%20(POP%2C,than%20reacting
%20after%20the%20event (Accessed on 22 November 2023).

GOV.uk., 2023. Policy paper. Anti-social behaviour action plan. Available from:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/anti-social-behaviour-action-plan/anti-
social-behaviour-action-plan#:~:text=They%20are%20the%20ultimate%20form,stamp
%20out%20anti%2Dsocial%20behaviour (Accessed on 23 November 2023).

Hinkle, J., 2020. Problem-oriented policing for reducing crime and disorder: An updated
systematic review and meta-analysis. Available from:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cl2.1089 (Accessed on 5 December
2023).

Jones, J., 2023. Problem-Oriented Policing. Available from:

https://study.com/academy/lesson/problem-oriented-policing-definition-
examples.html#:~:text=Through%20this%20model%2C%20the%20police,to%20keep
%20them%20from%20reoccurring . (Accessed on 5 December 2023).

Justiceinspectorates., 2023. Evidence on zero-tolerance policing. Available from:

https://assets-hmicfrs.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/uploads/what-works-evidence-on-zero-
tolerance-policing.pdf (Accessed on 23 November 2023).
KeepBritainTidy., 2023. Litter and the law. Available from:
https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/faqs/advice/litter-and-law#:~:text=Dropping%20litter
%20is%20illegal.,could%20rise%20to%20£2%2C500 (Accessed on 22 November 2023).

Mayor of London., 2023. Problem-oriented policing. Available from:

https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/questions-mayor/
find-an-answer/problem-oriented-policing#:~:text=In%20order%20for%20problem
%2Doriented,safeguard%20victims%20and%20divert%20offenders (Accessed on 22
November 2023).

Newburn, T., 2008. The handbook of Policing: Devon, Willian Publishing.

Petrosyan, A., 2023. Worldwide digital population 2023. Available from:

https://www.statista.com/statistics/617136/digital-population-worldwide/
#:~:text=Worldwide%20digital%20population%202023&text=As%20of%20October
%202023%2C%20there,population%2C%20were%20social%20media%20users . (Accessed
28 November 2023).

ReviseSociology., 2016. Zero tolerance policing- An evaluation. Available from:

https://revisesociology.com/2016/10/18/zero-tolerance-policing-an-evaluation/
(Accessed on 28 November 2023).

Scott, M., 2002. Rave parties. Available from: https://popcenter.asu.edu/content/rave-

parties-0 (Accessed on 22 November 2023).