Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Training Program

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) theories contend that law enforcement officers, architects, city planners, landscape and interior designers, and resident volunteers can create a climate of safety in a community right from the start. CPTED’s goal is to prevent crime by designing a physical environment that positively influences human behavior. The theory is based on four principles: natural access control, natural surveillance, territoriality, and maintenance. NCPC’s course helps participants put the theories behind CPTED into action in their communities by designing a hands-on, interactive, two- or three-day basic or advanced training specifically tailored to their community’s needs.

Scheduled CPTED Trainings

• June 23-25, 2009 (Advanced CPTED in Burlington, MA)
• CPTED for Weed and Seed Sites

Benefits of CPTED

Community residents will have

• Opportunities to play meaningful roles in community crime prevention
• Improved sense of security and quality of life through reduced fear of crime
• Fewer crimes committed in neighborhoods, fewer victimizations of residents
• Increased interaction among residents and stronger neighborhood bonds
• New crime prevention and problem-solving skills and enhanced knowledge of city government agencies and other resources

Municipal leadership will see

• Less crime in neighborhoods and business areas
• Improved perception of safety and livability in public areas and neighborhoods
• Enhanced consideration of public safety in planning, development, and redevelopment projects

Law enforcement will benefit from

• Sustainable links with planning, development, code enforcement, and other local agencies
• Clarification and action on neighborhood priorities related to crime and quality of life
• Opportunities to play meaningful roles in community crime prevention
• New crime prevention and problem-solving initiatives

Business leaders/owners will gain

• Safer locations that are more attractive to customers and employees
• Enhanced problem-solving partnerships with local government and community members

Planners/architects will gain

• A greater role in designing the environment; CPTED is recognized as an acceptable component of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or Green Building
• A holistic approach to the development and planning process

Basic CPTED Course

• CPTED theory and overview of history of crime and physical environment
• Basics of CPTED principles and how they apply to problem solving, community planning, and safety and security assessments
• CPTED applications to specific crimes and “hot spot” locations
• Specific practical techniques including street and security lighting, landscaping, barriers, traffic calming, and target hardening
• Role of maintenance, ordinances, and other local laws in strategies to prevent crime and improve the quality of life
• How to conduct a community safety assessment using tools based on CPTED principles
• How to consider CPTED principles in plans to secure key public places and facilities
• How to link neighborhood volunteers to local crime prevention, community building, and homeland security initiatives

Advanced CPTED Course

In addition to the Basic CPTED course, participants will

• Participate in intense, hands-on, practicums on applying CPTED principles in their community
• Examine more comprehensively lighting, landscaping, parks and recreation areas, traffic calming strategies, chicanes, cul-de-sacs, and their application within the community
• Learn and review design plans and make suggestions for changes and enhancement based on CPTED principles
• Learn how CPTED principles can play a role in overall community planning

Specialized sessions can include

• Multifamily housing
• New housing and retail development
• Parks and other public spaces
• Public parking garages and decks
• Schools and churches
• Youth involvement with CPTED

To inquire about pricing and/or to schedule a training in your community, contact us.

The National Crime Prevention Council’s Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Training Program is a registered provider for the American Institute of Architects' Continuing Education Systems. The completion of this training constitutes approximately 21 Health, Safety, and Welfare Learning Units (HSW/LU).