NCJ Number
76531
Journal
Security Management Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: (April 1981) Pages: 36-38,40-42
Date Published
1981
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) goals and concepts that are applicable to housing, businesses, industries, public buildings, schools, and recreation areas are described.
Abstract
CPTED calls for the creation of a defensive environment through the consideration of both physical and psychological aspects prior to construction. Opportunities for crime are reduced by employing design features that discourage crime while encouraging the legitimate use of the environment. To provide maximum control, an environment is first divided into smaller, clearly defined areas or zones which become the focal points for the application of CPTED elements. These zones are designated as public, semiprivate, or private and an effort is made to design each zone so that persons that use it feel a strong sense of territoriality that will encourage them to take control and defend it. The principal weapon in the protection of a defensible space is surveillance, since criminals are least likely to act when there is a high risk of their actions being witnessed. Open designs that minimize visual obstacles and eliminate places of concealment while encouraging the use of the environment are utilized. Special monitoring equipment is installed in places that are isolated or seldom used. Furthermore, lighting is installed in ways that enhance surveillance and reduce fear. Landscaping is also designed with surveillance in mind: Bushes are kept to a maximum of 3 feet in height, and the lower branches of trees are at least 6 feet off the ground. Finally, physical security measures aim at delaying penetration and thus reducing the probability that crime will occur. A reference list and addresses for obtaining further information are included. Illustrations are presented.