CPTEDCRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN

ALLEN J. PEREZ• AUBURN POLICE DEPARTMENT • SACRAMENTO POLICE DEPARTMENT

• PATROL, S.W.A.T., PROBLEM ORIENTED POLICING, NARCOTICS, VICE, SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER, BIKES, AND DETECTIVE FINANCIAL CRIMES UNIT- 20 years

• TEACH DPREP- ACTIVE SHOOTER & CPTED

WHY??

Definition:The Broken Window Theory is a criminological theory that states visible signs of crime, anti-social behavior, and civil disorder creates an urban environment that encourages further crime and civil disorder.

Thus policing or targeting minor crimes thereby preventing more serious crimes.

Example: loitering, vandalism, public drinking – minor gangs, homicide, sexual assault - major

TRENDS IN SOCIETY- RECENTLYGangs Active Shooters Homeless Population Protests Crime & Population

CPTED HISTORY• Began in 1960’s with Architect Oscar Newman and criminologist

C. Ray Jeffery. • It is a way to manipulate built environment in order to create

safer neighborhoods. • The appropriate environmental design can also increase the

likelihood of detection and apprehension, single biggest deterrent of crime. • Tests have shown that application of CPTED measures

overwhelmingly reduces criminal activity & save lives.

WHERE IS CPTED BEING IMPLEMENTED:• Sport arenas • Hospitals • Schools: K through colleges, universities • Gym • Malls • Private buildings • Public buildings • Churches • Everywhere/Anywhere practical

Potential Benefits of CPTED:• Productive use of space – Planters, Lighting, Movement • Improved function and/or profit – Entrance/Exit: Everyday or Critical Incident • Reduced exposure to fear, crime, loss and liability – Civilians/Patrons: Example church • Partnerships and problem solving – Police/Security Team • Improved quality of life Civilians/Patrons for all ages • Major cost savings – Burglary/Vandalism/Insurance

4 BASIC PRINCIPLES• Natural surveillance

• Natural access control

• Territorial reinforcement

• Maintenance

NATURAL SURVEILLANCE• .  Natural surveillance is a design strategy that is directed at

keeping intruders under observation.  It is based on a simple premise that a person inclined to engage in criminality will be less likely to act on their impulse if he or she can be seen. • Natural surveillance is commonly associated with the

establishment of clear sightlines.  While generally a worthwhile goal, the pursuit of clear sightlines must be tempered by a number of considerations including the ability to capitalize and/or generate witness potential and the need to establish and provide for landscaping.

SURVEILLANCE:

NATURAL ACCESS CONTROL• Natural access control is a design concept that is directed at

decreasing crime opportunity.  It is based on the simple premise that a person who is confronted with a clearly defined and/or strategically developed boundary, will typically show it some deference by respecting the way it guides and influences their movement as they transition from public through private space.  Natural forms of access control includes fences, low walls, landscaping, gates and any barrier that is natural for the environment including topographical features, sales counters and even distance.  Natural forms of access control are particularly effective when combined with natural surveillance.  The combination of natural forms of surveillance and access control can create a perception of risk in offenders that reduces their desire to step foot on the property or engage in criminal activity.

CONTINUED:• Natural access control can be complemented by mechanical

forms of access control such as locks and alarms and/or organized forms such as security and police patrols.  Mechanical and organized forms of access control should be emphasized where natural forms are limited.  This includes compounds, storage areas and any place where that regularly lacks people.

TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENTS• Territorial Reinforcement has its’ roots in Oscar Newman’s

Defensible Space.  It is a design concept that realizes that physical design can create or extend a sphere of influence so that users develop a sense of proprietorship that is noticeable to the offender. • Territorial reinforcement has been described as an umbrella

strategy that encompasses natural surveillance and access control.  Used properly, natural surveillance and access control can help people to develop a sense of ownership about a space regardless of whether or not they own it.  Territoriality often results in challenging behavior.

EXAMPLE: TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT

MAINTENANCE• In order to have a successful CPTED “maintenance” must be

completed as changes to the structure, landscaping, or growth changes.

IMPLEMENTATION• Though commonly implemented during architectural phase

CPTED can be used after completion of building phase or practiced on a standing structure.

EXAMPLES :

BEFORE AND AFTER

BEFORE AND AFTER

BEFORE AND AFTER

BEFORE AND AFTER

PREFER 3’ – 8’ FOR VISUAL AWARENESS

QUESTIONS