George Kelling—who along with James Wilson revolutionized American law enforcement with their "broken windows" theory of policing—died in his New Hampshire home on Wednesday. He was 83 years old.
Father of "Broken Windows" Policing Dead at Age 83
George Kelling—who along with James Wilson revolutionized American law enforcement with their "broken windows" theory of policing—died in his New Hampshire home on Wednesday. He was 83 years old.
May 16, 2019
1 min to read
According to the New York Times, Kelling and Wilson argued in a 7,000-word article in The Atlantic in 1982 that even "one unrepaired broken window is a signal that no one cares" in a community, and that such neglect could lead to unbridled disorder.
The theory put forth by Kelling and Wilson had a significant impact on policing in the United States, as agencies such as New York and Los Angeles began putting into place community policing strategies aimed at improving the overall well-being of troubled neighborhoods.
William Bratton who served during his career as the police commissioner of New York City, Boston police commissioner, and chief of police in Los Angeles, said in a recent interview that Kelling had "been the most profound influence on American policing in the last 40 or 50 years."
Kelling is survived by his wife, two children, and four grandchildren.
More Patrol
Versaterm Launches Innovation Summit for Public Safety Drone Operations
The two-day DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm will bring together public safety and industry experts to define best practices for scaling drone operations.
Read More →
What Makes a Good LE Boot?
Learn what makes a boot good for police officers as POLICE visits with Kyle Ferdyn, of Garmont Tactical, who explains the features of boots and why each is needed in an LE boot.
Read More →
Folds of Honor Opens Scholarship Application for Children and Spouses of Fallen or Disabled Service Members and First Responders
The application period for the Folds of Honor scholarship program is now open through the end of March. Scholarships support students from early education through postsecondary studies, easing the financial burden for families who have given so much in service to others.
Read More →
Team Wendy Now on GovX: Faster Verification and Discount Access for Eligible Professionals
With GovX verification now integrated directly into the Team Wendy checkout experience, eligible customers can confirm their status in just a few clicks and have the discount applied automatically.
Read More →
5.11 Debuts 2026 Footwear & Apparel at SHOT Show
5.11 showcased new apparel and footwear products during SHOT Show 2026, including new color options for the A/T Boa Lite Mid Boot and the Founder’s Jacket.
Read More →
5.11 Debuts New Load-Bearing Gear at SHOT Show
5.11 launched a variety of new load-bearing gear, ranging from backpacks to chest packs, designed for training, travel, and everyday readiness, this week during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
Streamlight Launches the Rechargeable TLR-3X & Other Lights at SHOT Show
Streamlight launched the TLR-3X and TLR-3X USB, two new weapon lights, and an assortment of other new lights during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
EOTech & Fast Metal Introduce the EOTech Halen Ballistic Spectacle System
Built on the proven Halen platform, the new EOTech x Fast Metal Halen Ballistic Spectacle System is the only aluminum frame listed on the U.S. Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List.
Read More →
2 Florida Officers Shot After Shots-Fired Call
Two officers were shot in Gainesville, Florida, by a man who police say was leaving an area where he had killed a man inside a business. The suspect exited his vehicle in what the chief termed an “ambush-style” attack.
Read More →
Mistaken Identity: Ohio Police Department Harassed After ICE OIS
An Ohio police department has received harassing phone calls and social media messages because it has an officer with the same name as the ICE officer identified in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, officer-involved shooting.
Read More →