Got to say, you lost me there. Is there an anecdote available? Sounds like the well-known broken window theory, but that is different than your original point (feelings not facts matter). I live in a city, and don't see a problem here. I do not see any "socially maladapted behavior in public spaces". But maybe I am just overly tolerant, and should raise expectations to Stepford Wifes level. Who exactly decides what is "socially maladapted behavior". Cities have a social tension arising from many people in close contact. I do not want to live in a Stepford Wifes city.

Public safety is important, and could easily be improved in the US with gun and health policies, but that improvement is not the goal today. Instead, we see a show of force to impress out-of-towners that city folk are being forced to obey the supreme commander. Ineffective policy, but a good photo op.