[gojomo]

See also: 'broken windows theory': https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broken_windows_theory

Though this concept isn't as pat and reliable as in its most-simplistic formulations – you can't fix all crime with aesthetic enforcement – it captures real human tendencies to 'flock' in the space of norms-of-behavior, using visible cues of what will or won't be tolerated. And, it has applicability outside of just literal 'policing'.

Keeping spaces/communities far from any chaotic boundary where people start to wonder - "what can I get away with? does anyone confront/correct problems?" - can save a lot on overall defection/enforcement losses in the long run.

[aidenn0]

Yeah, I think Broken Windows Theory takes it a step too far. I believe that if you have an area without graffiti and broken windows, fewer people will graffiti on walls and break windows, but the evidence for that preventing violent crime is flimsy at best.