What does CPTED stand for, and what is a basic design strategy used to reduce opportunities for crime?

• A. Community Policing and Theft Deterrence; strategy: deploy guards at all entrances.
• B. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design; strategy example: improve lighting and maintain sightlines to increase natural surveillance.
• C. Corrective Physical Engineering Design; strategy: restrict all access.
• D. Criminal Planning for Effective Deterrence; strategy: install cameras everywhere.

Answer: (B)

CPTED is about using the built environment to deter crime by making it easier to be seen and to observe what’s happening. It stands for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. A basic design strategy is to improve lighting and maintain sightlines so that spaces have natural surveillance. When areas are well lit and free of hidden corners, people can notice suspicious activity more easily, which increases the perceived risk for would-be offenders and reduces opportunities for crime. This emphasis on how design shapes behavior contrasts with approaches that rely mainly on security personnel or cameras; CPTED focuses on design features that promote visibility and openness, while still supporting other elements like clear boundaries and maintained spaces.