What are the principles and components of CPTED?
The wording of CPTED principles and components can vary across jurisdictions and countries, but always include:
Surveillance
This element involves the use of design and planning techniques to provide opportunities for people to have ‘eyes on the street’ (or to exert unofficial vigilance) in the course of their normal routines. This form of natural surveillance works on the ‘safety in numbers’ concept.
GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLES
Provide informal (passive) surveillance through positioning of seating, eating and activity precincts within and above the park and promenade
Strong sightlines include provision of options for space users and do not create situations where there are no alternatives: ensure that pathways are interconnected
The guidelines state that areas intended for night-time use should provide adequate lighting levels so that people are able to recognise an approaching person’s face 10 to 15 metres away
Use of blue-white lamps in areas that justify lower performing light sources
Pedestrian height level lighting along walkways
Access Control
People feel more comfortable using public places that provide well defined routes and clear sightliness (day and night) so they can see and be seen. This helps to control movement of people in certain areas and increases space user awareness when people have accessed areas that are clearly marked as closed or unavailable.
GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLES
Co-locate movement routes for walking, cycling and jogging with generous pathway proportions (minimum of 1.2 metres wide)
Have clearly identifiable points of entry
Some areas may require time activated access control: requiring pass or code words to open doors, gates or other barriers
Use structures (built or natural) to divert new arrivals to the reception area and limit access to open areas
Use waist level and/or open fencing (permeable) to control access and encourage surveillance
Signage and way finding (see below) is a critical factor in supporting space user understanding of access control
Territoriality reinforcement
People will develop a strong sense of ‘ownership’ (territoriality) of a space that is important to them. Design interventions that address ownership or territoriality can result in ‘strangers’ being easily identified. It is also essential to clearly distinguish between private, semi-private and public spaces. Barriers can be either design features, natural vegetation or physical barriers.
GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLES
Encourage increased definition of a space to clearly separate areas for different users and users
Use signs to create awareness of higher risk areas such as playgrounds
Promoting and supporting appropriate mixed activities, particularly to encourage and support events
Outdoor lighting can be used to create drama and recognition of built form, including sculpture and art
Mechanical and operational access control includes target hardening
Effective territorial reinforcement makes the normal and legitimate user feel safe, and conversely, makes a potential offender aware that scrutiny and/or detection has increased
Good territorial reinforcement does no block out views (a high solid fence may create an immediate sense of control but removes ability to see further afield: this may unintentionally create/increase fear of the outside area
Space activation and management
Well maintained public places improve people’s perception of how safe a place is and supports their desire to occupy and use those places. Management programs that clean, repair and maintain public spaces and private buildings are vital for community safety and wellbeing.
GOOD PRACTICE EXAMPLES
SPACE ACTIVATION
A combination of regular activity (predictable times, location and groups) and informal/occasional space users (cyclists, walkers, playground users)
Focus on increasing use of space by non users. Identification of group needs will help to create an event/activity that will encourage new people to come to the space
MANAGEMENT
Deterioration of a site can indicate that users and owners tolerate disorder. This can signal to illegitimate users that anti social behaviour is tolerated
Quick removal of broken and unacceptable items and materials (e.g. graffiti) sends the message that there is constant oversight from the space owner/manager to ensure that safety and amenity is always being addressed
A space that has a positive image in the community creates a sense of pride in legitimate users
