Why should we be zero tolerant?

Zero tolerance is a concept of compelling private service providers and public sector officials, who might otherwise exercise their discretion in making subjective judgments regarding the severity of a given condition, to act in accordance with regulation, law and, above all, our expectations.

It’s best described using the “broken window” theory of urban decay. This theory was made famous in a 1982 article by James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling in The Atlantic Monthly.

They wrote that the link between maintaining civil order and preventing crime is similar
to the process whereby one broken window becomes many.

It's a known fact that serious crime flourishes in areas in which disorderly behavior and degradation go unchecked.  Muggers and robbers, whether opportunistic or professional, believe they reduce their chances of being caught or even identified if they operate in areas where potential victims are already intimidated by prevailing conditions.

If the neighborhood cannot keep a bothersome street beggar from annoying passersby, the thief may reason, it is even less likely to call the police to identify a potential mugger
or to interfere if a mugging actually takes place.

For examples of "Broken Window" degradation and a list of our maintenance partners,
click here.