Research how Tacoma, WA used the concepts of CPTED to build a sense of community using lighting, natural access control and natural surveillance. Determine if thestrategies usedcould

Disclaimer: The recommendations listed in this brochure are made for the purpose

of reducing the likelihood of criminal activity and providing for a safer environment. While no guarantee can be stated or

implied, the concepts of CPTED have been proven internationally. The City of Tacoma recommends these measures as a public

service, with the understanding that there is no way to predict or prevent all crime risks.

Local building and fi re/life safety codes must be considered when implementing

CPTED strategies.

Document Content: This document was prepared using various sources from the internet, jurisdictional

and industry materials, and CPTED training information and is considered general knowledge

of the Basic Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles.

City of Tacoma-Public Works Department Building and Land Use Services

In support of the City of Tacoma Safe and Clean Initiative

For more information, please call CPTED Coordination

at (253) 591-5634 *Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Basic CPTED*strategies for building a safer Tacoma

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) We constantly respond to our environment, whether we are aware of it or not.  Effective design of our environment helps us to feel safer and reduces opportunities for criminal acts to occur.

CPTED, (pronounced sep-ted), is an initiative that helps us create healthy, safe communities through well-planned design.

• CPTED is based on the premise that the design of our environment directly affects our behavior.  It infl uences both the opportunities for crime to take place and our fear of crime.  This has an important impact on our quality of life.

• CPTED enhances safety by altering physical design and encouraging positive social interaction.

• CPTED offers an alternative to creating fortress-like communities where we have to lock ourselves away to feel safe and also complements police and security strategies. 

How CPTED works

• CPTED promotes design strategies in planned environments that encourage safe behavior and reduce the opportunities for crime to occur through three inter-related basic principles:  – natural access control – natural surveillance – territoriality

• Once you know about CPTED strategies, you will see the environment in a different way.

Natural access control (limits access) Guides people entering and leaving a space through the placement of entrances, exits, fences, landscaping and lighting.  Access control can decrease opportunities for criminal activity by denying criminals access to potential targets and creating a perception of risk for would-be offenders.

Natural surveillance (increases visibility) The placement of physical features, activities and people in a way that maximizes visibility.  A potential criminal is less likely to attempt a crime if he or she is at risk of being observed. Avoid landscaping that creates “blind spots” or hiding places and make sure there is effective lighting for pedestrians.

Territoriality (promotes a sense of ownership) The use of physical attributes that express ownership such as fences, signage, landscaping, pavement designs, defi ned property lines and clear distinctions between private and public spaces are examples of the application of territoriality.  Territoriality can be seen in entrances into a community or development, and in the use of borders and texture.

In addition to the three main principles described, two other elements support CPTED; Activity Support and Maintenance.

Activity support (fosters community interaction) Encouraging activities, such as art/ community events, in public spaces that are intended for use by residents and other legitimate users discourages criminal acts.

Maintenance (deters offenders) A well maintained home, building or community creates a sense of pride.  A well kept area tends to make someone feel like they will be observed by neighbors or business owners who care about the area. Without proper care, “grime leads to crime”.

Using CPTED CPTED can be applied in both existing communities and during the planning stages of new development.  CPTED principles work best when applied during the design phase to avoid potential costly changes later. 

CPTED is an effective method to help reduce premise liability and give a project “value added” market appeal.

In existing development

• CPTED can be applied creatively by fi nding solutions to make those spaces safe and  help it better meet the requirements of users.

• A CPTED security assessment can be done for an existing home, building, school, playground, park, business, etc. to identify problems and needs.

In new development

• Costly safety problems can be avoided if the principles of CPTED are applied during the design and planning process.

• CPTED reviews are becoming standard practice in the planning process across the country. Ask for a CPTED design review for new developments and projects.

• Design professionals can increase the quality of life for users of a space by incorporating CPTED into the development.For more information or assistance, please call

CPTED Coordination at (253) 591-5634

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Fostering a sense of pride in an area • maintenance

• landscaping

• use of art/community events

� Natural surveillance – increases visibility

Basic CPTED principles at work

• Multi-family • Ensure hallways are well lit.

• Install good quality deadbolts, locks and 180 degree or larger eye viewers on unit doors.

• Provide common space in central locations to encourage resident interaction.

• Encourage a Resident Association Watch program.

• Place play areas within view so children can be observed by residents.

• Use deadbolts on exterior doors. Be sure that the throw bar goes at least 1” in to the door frame and that the strike plate is installed with at least 3” screws.

• Install 180 degree eyeviewers and use solid core doors.

• Post addresses and unit numbers in large contrasting colors to the building.

• Design in visibility to laundry and community rooms by using windows.

Businesses • Locate checkout counters near the front

of the store, clearly visible from outside.

• Window signs should cover no more than 15 percent of the windows to provide clear visibility into and out of the store.

• Use shelving displays no higher than 4’ to help see who is in the store.

• Avoid creating outdoor spaces that encourage loitering.

• Ensure lighting is consistent throughout the parking lot and the store.

• Remove any graffi ti immediately to deter future occurrences and reduce fear of crime for customers.

• Communicate with other businesses on your block; look out for each other.

Tips on crime prevention design

Landscaping defi nes parking lot of business from roadway • identifi es public and private space

• allows for natural surveillance

Deck at front of multi-family units • creates natural surveillance opportunities of the walkway, street, and bus stop

• supports territoriality

Parking garage • reduces areas of solid walls

• incorporates an open stairwell that allows opportunity for surveillance

� Territoriality – promotes a sense of ownership

Decorative fencing and signage • helps control access

• celebrates the entrance

• creates “a sense of place”

Layout offers surveillance opportunities • low shelving

• centralized platform near front doors

• operational camera and blindspot mirror

Parks and common areas • Use walkways and landscaping to direct visitors to the

main entrance; use thorny plants along fence lines and under windows to deter access to private areas.

• Place play areas and picnic shelters within view of trails, roads and parking areas to increase opportunity for surveillance.

• Keep shrubs trimmed below 3’ and limb up trees at least 7’ from the ground around facilities to improve visibility.

• Use lighting over entrances, parking areas, and pedestrian scale lighting along walks.

• Schedule activities in passive areas to draw legitimate users to the space.

• Locate restrooms near staffed or active areas or as to be seen from the road.

• Trim back landscaping at least 10’ back from trails to avoid blind spots or ambush points.

• When fencing is needed use transparent or semi- transparent materials to increase visibility into an area.

• Clearly mark hours of operation, rules, and use directional signage to establish acceptable behaviors and guide users through the space.

NOTE:  CPTED principles are site specifi c.   Please be aware of the need to consider the type of use, the area, demographics, etc.

Fencing and landscaping material • designates public and semi-public space

• fenced-off areas can be accessed when gate is open

Use of transparent materials • allows for natural surveillance

• easy to maintain and is effective

Maintained landscape material • limits access to parking under a building

• reinforces territoriality

• natural surveillance from the sidewalk

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� Natural access control – limits access