AdvertisementHow A Theory Of Crime And Policing Was Born, And Went Terribly Wrong30:47Download AudioResumeMay 29, 2017Tara BoyleJennifer SchmidtRhaina CohenShankar VedantamMaggie PenmanRenee KlahrfacebookEmailThe "broken windows" theory of policing suggested that cleaning up the visible signs of disorder — like graffiti, loitering, panhandling and prostitution — would prevent more serious crime. (Getty Images)