The "broken window" theory as published by James Q. Wilson and George Kelling suggests that a certain sequence of events can be expected in deteriorating neighborhoods: evidence of decay (broken windows, accumulated trash, deteriorated building exteriors) which remains in the neighborhood for a reasonably long period of time causes people who live and work in the area to feel more vulnerable and to begin to withdraw. They become less willing to intervene to maintain public order (for example, to attempt to break up groups of rowdy teens loitering on street corners) or to address physical signs of deterioration.

As more windows break, some vandals may become bolder and intensify their harassment and vandalism. This makes residents even more fearful and less likely to participate in community upkeep. Offenders now may come in from outside the area, sensing that the neighborhood has become a vulnerable and less risky site for crime.

Applying the "broken windows" approach, Hillsborough County Code Enforcement takes steps to prevent crime through Code Enforcement by conducting routine and proactive enforcement of County Ordinances, and by strengthening partnerships with surrounding enforcement agencies and community organizations. This proactive approach to the Enforcement of property maintenance Codes has been shown to slow, or even reverse, declines in community values and increases in criminal activity.

S.A.F.E. (Safe Areas For Education)
The Safe Areas For Education Initiative is designed to proactively identify and eliminate conditions that create a nuisance and could, or actually do, create a harborage for criminal activity near schools. Sweeps are scheduled near public schools, where Code Enforcement Investigators search vacant lots and structures for overgrown conditions, unsecure and unsanitary pools, unsecure structures, and other conditions that harbor potentially harmful objects or environments or that are conducive to criminal activity and foster an unsafe environment for our children.

View photos from the USF Area SAFE Sweep

Graffiti Abatement
Graffiti is used as a gang signal to mark territory or to serve as an indicator or "tag" for gang-related activity. Defacing property with graffiti without the property owner's consent is considered vandalism, which is punishable by law. It is a sign of decay, makes people feel that their neighborhood is being lost, and sends an open invitation for loitering, littering, more graffiti, and crime.

Code Enforcement has joined forces with the Hillsborough County Sheriff" Office and Hillsborough County Public Works to identify graffiti associated with gang activity and to quickly remove it from publicly owned property. Graffiti that is found on private property is a violation of Hillsborough County Ordinance. When found on private property, Code Enforcement issues a notice to the property owner to have the violation removed. If the property owner fails to take action there may be fines assessed.

False Alarm
In 2003, Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies responded to 60,427 false security alarms. Although security system can greatly reduce the chance of having an unwanted intruder in your home, systems that aren't working properly or have been accidentally set off by users, are a waste of Law Enforcement" precious time and effort.

As a result, in October 2004, the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners approved a security alarm ordinance where Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the Hillsborough County Code Enforcement Department work in partnership to reduce the number of false alarm calls. As a result, false alarm calls have decreased more than 50 percent, allowing law enforcement more time to respond to legitimate emergency calls. Learn more about the False Alarm program and fines on the at hillsboroughcounty.org/hcce/codeenforcement/securityalarm.cfm

S.A.L.T Council (Seniors and Law Enforcement Together)
The Hillsborough County S.A.L.T. Council is an advocate for seniors. They educate the community on senior safety, and act as an advisory board for the law enforcement agencies in the County. Hillsborough County Code Enforcement attends S.A.L.T. Council meetings, along with community service providers, seniors and other enforcement agencies to address issues regarding crime and security issues relating to the elderly. Learn more about the SALT Council at www.SALTCouncil.org.

Suspected violations can be reported in several ways:

• In person:
  10119 Windhorst Rd., Tampa, FL 33619
  410 S. E. 30th St, Ruskin, FL 33570
  
  
• Twenty four hours a day online
  
  
• Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by calling:
  (813) 274-6600
  
  
• Seven days a week from 7:30 a.m.- 11:00 p.m. by calling:
  (813) 272-5900
  

Hillsborough County Code Enforcement is responsible for preserving the quality and value of public and private
property and maintaining a high standard of living by eliminating conditions that threaten the life, health, safety,
and general welfare of the public.