While earning a Criminal Justice Degree at MTSU or at just about any university that offers such a degree, one of the items that most students eventually learn about is the "Broken Windows Theory."

Broken windows signify something that is out of the norm or what criminologist may title, urban disorder. To break that broken window down even more, vandalism signifies anti-social behavior. It allows law enforcement to see what urban environments need to be examined more closely before problems get more serious.

The entire Broken Windows Theory also deals with order as opposed to disorder. Order means maintaining a clean neighborhood, local streets that look as if they are taken care of and even mowing your lawn.

A 1969 study by a Stanford University Psychologist suggested that things that look neglected, will be neglected. Philip Zimbardo found in his study that if a broken-down car was placed on the streets of an affluent neighborhood, the car for the most part would be left alone. However, if the car were vandalized and then placed in an affluent neighborhood, it would quickly become a target for vandals.

Zimbardo discovered that things or places that look neglected will indeed become a location for crime. That study morphed into the secondary study that took place years later that received the name of "The Broken Windows Theory."

In Rutherford County, you can help to prevent crime by making sure yards in your neighborhood are properly maintained. As bizarre as that may sound, multiple studies prove that to be true.

Rutherford County Mayor Ernest Burgess told WGNS that the county does not patrol areas to inspect lawns, but they do depend on residents to let them know if a property is not properly kept...

The Broken Windows Theory was introduced in an article written by social scientists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling in 1982. Needless to say, that theory is now a staple in law enforcement books.

Regulations in Rutherford County (Tall Grass and Weeds):

The Property Maintenance Department is charged with the task of protecting the public health, safety and welfare in both existing residential and non residential structures on all existing premises. The department is responsible for investigating possible violations to include, but not limited to, open storage, unlicensed or inoperable vehicles, junkyards, tall weeds and grass complaints, prohibited sign violations, unsafe structures and sub-standard housing.

Tall Grass and Weeds: Rutherford County Board of Commissioners Tall Weeds and Grass Ordinance dated 11/13/2008 section 1.4a-d and 1.4f states "a. For the purpose of this resolution weeds and other similar regulated vegetation shall be kept cut, clipped or controlled through chemical means as frequently as necessary to ensure that weeds, rank grass, and noxious growths do not exceed a height of fifteen (15) inches. Such vegetation shall be maintained on property as set forth below:

1.The entire area of any lot, parcel, or tract containing two (2) acres or less.

2.Within twenty-five (25) feet of any street right of way.

b. Nothing herein shall preclude the use of a parcel as a natural wooded area or the maintenance of natural screening provided that the public health, safety, and welfare not be impaired.

c. It shall be unlawful for any person to rake, cut or pile weeds, grass, brush, vegetation, dead or broken tree limbs, dead trees, or rubbish into any ditch or natural drain or at any place on the property that might obstruct the vision of the operators of vehicles or pedestrians of or obstruct the flow of water or drainage.

d. All enforcement actions with respect to Section 1 of this resolution shall commence upon confirmation of complaint. All complaints should be appropriately documented and reflect the specific nature and location of the complaint.

f. These provisions do not apply to any lot which includes an owner-occupied residence, pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotate 5-1-115 subsection."

Building and Codes Dept. of Rutherford County: 615-898-7734