NCJ Number
212404
Date Published
2005
Length
34 pages
Annotation
This guide describes strategies for involving children and youth in crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), which is a method of designing or modifying the physical environment so that people feel safer and potential offenders are deterred from criminal behavior.
Abstract
The guide first defines CPTED, as it outlines its four key principles: natural access control, natural surveillance, territoriality and maintenance, and support for positive activity. The next section discusses the rationale for involving children and youth in CPTED. It advises that youth bring insider knowledge of safety issues, a desire to make a difference, an ability to teach their peers, and a variety of skills and talents. Youth will benefit by learning more about crime prevention and the concepts of CPTED as well as strategies they can apply in their homes, schools, and neighborhoods. The third section contains three age-appropriate activities that guide instructors in teaching youth about CPTED. The first lesson assists youth in understanding the ways in which the physical environment can make them feel safe or unsafe and introduces them to the four principles of CPTED. The second lesson is a "walk-around" safety search, as the youth apply what they have learned about CPTED and identify features of their school or community that contribute to safety. The third activity guides the youth in developing a presentation to their local city or town council, school board, or appropriate decisionmaking group that has the authority to consider proposed projects that address safety concerns in the community. The concluding section describes projects that are based on the principles of CPTED, along with more detailed information on how to involve children and youth in Neighborhood Watch and community preparedness efforts. 18 resources