anningTarget Area: The Atlanta University complex, residential properties, a few small businesses, and two adjacent projects. Computer search showed that the abandoned cars created more calls than any other crime, with the exception of drug activity.This is a perfect example of “Broken Windows,” the longer the cars sat there, more cars appeared, creating a few problems.The cars were a convenient place for drug dealers to hide drugs, money and guns.They were a breeding ground for rats, roaches and other pestsThey became homes and hiding places for the homeless and addicts.They were also and eyesore, just sitting and rottingAnalysisThere were two problems to be overcome before the cars could be removed from the area:Limited Jurisdiction: the Atlanta Housing Authority owned the streets and parking lots within the area, (AHA) therefore ticketing would require an effort orchestrated by both organizations. Vehicle owners needed adequate warning before the cars were impounded, since the cars may have been stolen, therefore a plate check was required.ResponseIn January of ’89, the AHA and the Atlanta P.D. initiated an assertive effort to alleviate the problem.The AHA staff conducted daily checks of the area, looking for the problem vehicles.Cars that were reported abandoned were affixed with a tag, to inform the owner of the danger of having his/her car impounded within 2-4 days, depending on the condition of the car. If the car was not moved, a tow truck was called to take the car. The officers then ran a plate check to see if the car was stolen.Officers patrolled the streets outside the AHA area in the same manner.AssessmentIn the early stages of the program, 87 abandoned cars were taken from the target area, greatly improving the area. According to the text, in the 4 months following the program, there were no citizen complaints regarding abandoned vehicles.The officers and AHA representatives continued to use the syste...
