Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

The field of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) has been around since the 1960s but evolved into a design and space management approach in the 1970s. CPTED is the proper use of the built environment to reduce the opportunity and fear of opportunistic predatory type crime and result in improving the quality of life where we live, work, and play. Dr. Atlas studied under Dr. C. Ray Jeffrey while he was a professor at Florida State University and who wrote the original CPTED book in 1970 while Atlas was undertaking his Doctorate of Criminology. Atlas has taught CPTED classes at the National Crime Prevention Institute, University of Louisville, all through the 1990s and 2000s, until developing a CPTED curriculum at Florida Atlantic University for architecture, criminal justice, and urban planning students. Now, Dr. Atlas teaches certified approved classes from the International CPTED Association through this website.

CPTED, which stands for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, is a set of principles and strategies to reduce crime and enhance safety in various environments. Here are some of the benefits of CPTED:

  1. Reduced Crime Rates: CPTED can effectively reduce the occurrence of crimes such as vandalism, burglary, and assault by creating environments that discourage criminal activity.
  2. Crime Reduction: CPTED strategies aim to reduce opportunities for criminal activity by designing spaces that are less conducive to criminal behavior. This can lead to a decrease in various types of crimes, such as burglary, vandalism, and assault.
  3. Improved Sense of Safety: When people feel safe in their surroundings, it can have positive effects on their mental and emotional well-being. CPTED helps enhance the perceived safety of an area, making residents and visitors feel more secure.
  4. Lower Incidence of Fear: Fear of crime can be just as debilitating as actual criminal activity. CPTED measures can help reduce the fear of crime by addressing environmental factors that contribute to it.
  5. Cost-Effective: CPTED is often more cost-effective than traditional law enforcement methods. Investing in design and environmental changes can lead to long-term crime reduction and financial savings.
  6. Enhanced Community Engagement: CPTED projects often involve community input and collaboration. This engagement can foster a sense of community ownership and pride, leading to more vigilant residents who look out for each other.
  7. Improved Quality of Life: Safer environments created through CPTED can lead to an improved overall quality of life for residents and businesses. People are more likely to invest in and take care of their communities when they feel secure.
  8. Sustainable and Aesthetic Enhancements: CPTED principles often result in aesthetic improvements to an area. Green spaces, well-maintained landscaping, and attractive architecture deter crime and enhance the overall visual appeal of a place.
  9. Enhanced Accessibility: Designing spaces with accessibility in mind can benefit everyone, including those with disabilities. CPTED principles can make public spaces more user-friendly and inclusive.
  10. Reduced Repeat Victimization: By reducing the opportunities for crime and targeting areas with a history of criminal activity, CPTED can help prevent repeat victimization.
  11. Positive Economic Impact: Safer neighborhoods and commercial areas can attract more businesses and visitors, leading to economic growth and job opportunities.
  12. Long-Term Sustainability: CPTED focuses on creating sustainable, long-term solutions to crime and safety issues. It doesn’t rely solely on short-term law enforcement measures. CPTED principles can be integrated into sustainable urban planning and design, promoting environmentally friendly and energy-efficient development.
  13. Proactive Approach: CPTED is a proactive approach to crime prevention, as it seeks to eliminate or mitigate the conditions that lead to criminal behavior rather than merely responding to criminal incidents.
  14. Reduced Fear of Crime: By creating safer environments and reducing the perception of risk, CPTED can help alleviate the fear of crime, allowing residents to feel more comfortable and secure in their surroundings.
  15. Improved Property Values: Safer neighborhoods and well-designed public spaces can lead to increased property values, benefiting homeowners and local economies.
  16. Flexibility: CPTED principles are adaptable and can be applied in various settings, including residential areas, commercial districts, parks, and schools. Thus, they are versatile for addressing different community needs.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design is a holistic and multi-faceted approach to reducing crime and improving safety by addressing environmental design and community engagement. Its benefits extend beyond crime reduction, including improved quality of life, community involvement, and economic development. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of CPTED design depends on various factors, including the specific strategies used, the context in which they are implemented, and the level of community involvement. When applied thoughtfully and in conjunction with other crime prevention measures, CPTED can contribute to safer and more vibrant communities.

In today’s world, security threats are ever-evolving, and it is essential to have a comprehensive security plan that addresses all potential risks. Atlas Safety & Security Design Inc. has had an international presence in developing and applying CPTED and security for architects, urban planners, developers, landscape architects, law enforcement, and security directors. Atlas Safety & Security Design Inc. offers a full range of security consulting services to commercial and governmental clientele.  Our services are designed to assist clients in identifying their existing threats and vulnerabilities in order to determine the potential for a workplace violence incident, burglary, robbery, or other crime against persons or crime against property.  Our security assessment reports address the three elements of a sound security program: Policies and Procedures, Security Staffing, and Security Technology.  Services in our wide-ranging lineup can be mixed and matched to best suit the unique requirements of your project.

Our services include:

  • Security Assessment of all building types, including office buildings, hospitals and healthcare facilities, shopping centers, schools and universities, parking lots and garages, apartment complexes, gated communities, government buildings, parks and recreational areas, ports, airports, and transportation hubs.
  • Threat and Vulnerability Risk Assessment Studies
  • Counter-terrorism analysis
  • Infrastructure Security Analysis
  • Site and Building Security Planning and Conceptual Design
  • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Planning & Certification Practitioner Training
  • Expert Witness Testimony on Premises Security Negligence Cases
  • Crime history and risk analysis
  • Security Master Plans as they impact expansions and renovations
  • Access Control and Barrier Design, Security landscaping, and planting design
  • Design of Man traps, Vehicle Sallyports, Fence Systems, Explosion Resistance
  • Security Lighting Layout and Design, Photometric Studies, and analysis
  • Security Design Criteria, Schematic Design, Bid Plans, and Specifications
  • Design of Alarm and Communication Systems
  • Design of Interior Intrusion Detection Systems
  • Design of Video Surveillance Systems
  • Design of Perimeter Protection Systems
  • Design of visitor Management Systems
  • Conduit Sizing Riser Diagrams
  • Equipment Specifications
  • Command Center, Control Room Interface Design
  • Vendor and Contractor Qualification
  • Security Hardware Evaluation and Selection
  • Bid Analysis
  • Contractor Coordination and Field Surveillance
  • Security System Verification and Acceptance
  • Operations Test and Evaluation
  • Security and CPTED Training and Seminars and Certification through ICA

Our Security & CPTED Book

Designing for Critical Infrastructure Protection and Crime Prevention

21st Century 2nd Ed Book CoverBased on the tenets of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), the updated edition of this popular reference blends new design elements with the latest best-practice security measures. Illustrated with hundreds of photographs and line drawings, the text emphasizes consideration of security aspects throughout the design process, including how to take stock of open spaces, avoid blind corners, and use landscaping to create secure spaces.