The Concept of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design - Term Paper Example

Title: Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Name Institution Date of submission Table of Contents Table of Contents 2 1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) operating concept 3 3.0 The theories of criminology: Why people commit crimes? 4 3.1 Opportunity theories 4 3.1.1 Rational choice theory 4 3.1.2 Routine activities theory 5 4.0 Crime prevention strategies 5 4.1 The opportunistic theories 5 4.2 Action research: 6 4.3 Classification 6 5.0 The common CPTED strategies 6 5.1 Natural surveillance and Natural access control strategies 6 5.2 Territorial reinforcement 7 5.3 Management and maintenance 7 5.4 The need for security 8 5.5 Vulnerability of and fear of crime 8 5.6 Environmental design and fear of crime 8 6.0 Is the principle of CPTED concept valid? 9 6.1 CPTED strategies and fear of crimes 9 6.2 Fear of crime (FOC) and sense of community (SOC)/togetherness 10 7.0 Access control 10 8.0 Conclusion 10 References 11 1.0 Introduction Over the last four decades, Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) has received a considerate attention. According to Cozens & Love (2015), the concept of CPTED is grounded on the theory that when there is a proper design and the effective use of built environment, there is high likelihood of reduction in incidence of crime and fear to commit crime. As a result, when the built environment is safe from crime, then the quality of life is improved (Clancey, 2015). Many researchers have found that the concept of OPTED is supported by various disciplines such as geography, psychology and criminology (Burke, 2001). This interrelationship has well been recognized that the OPTED concept affect people’s behavior, it influence the use of space thus leading to either increase or decrease of experience to crime. 2.0 Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) operating concept CPTED concept has been used to reduce the cases of crime through premise’s liability as well as fear in various settings. These settings include institutions, convenience stores, shopping malls and centers, hospitals, office apartments and parking structures. Towards the end of 20th century, many governments promoted CPTED concept through the adoption of state statutes, formulation of policies and regulations and advocacy of safety standards (Clancey, 2015). According to Abdul & Aishath (2011), it is important to understand that the concept of CPTED does not substitute the traditions security systems. However, Cossman & Rader, (2011) pointed out that the concept of helps in removing the barriers to social and administration control in the traditional security system. Well, there is less doubt that the use of CPTED concept prescribes a valid principle of security control measures. As far as the concept needs space and human activities, it also incorporate the natural strategies of security measures (Cozens, Saville & Hillier, 2005). It is evident that the crime prevention strategies often rely on mechanical approaches and are labor-intensive. For example, shopping malls uses security cameras and lock alarms showing the mechanical approaches of crime prevention. It is clear that the consumer of the mechanical approaches incur costs. Apart from the personnel, buildings and equipments required to conduct human activities in the mechanical approach, the method incur additional costs the normal requirements (Crowe & Fennelly, 2013). 3.0 The theories of criminology: Why people commit crimes? ‘Why do people commit crimes?’ is a debate that has been in the context of criminology for several decades now. Many researchers have come up with several theories to explore and examine why people commit crimes, and seek the best solutions to reduce these crimes. The following are the key theories of criminology: 3.1 Opportunity theories 3.1.1 Rational choice theory People may decide to commit crime out of their self-interest. According to Cossman & Rader (2011), a person may decide to commit crime after evaluating the risks involved against the reward. The potential risks include punishment and risk of being caught against rewards such as being rich. The rational choice theory has been associated with crimes such as robbery, vandalism and white-collar crimes. Furthermore, the neuropsychological literature reveals that an individual undergoes some neurobiological mechanisms in committing crimes that are grounded from rational choice theory (Clancey, Lee & Fisher, 2012). 3.1.2 Routine activities theory Apart from explaining the criminal dispositions, opportunity theories further explain the occurrence of crime. The areas of focus in this theory are how the crime arises, perceived, evaluated and responded to by the people with criminal dispositions. The ideas of Cohen and Felson on routine activity theory that crime occurs after the fulfillment of three elements. One, Motivation: A criminal is only motivated by the intentions and the present ability; two, Suitable target: A criminal targets areas that he/she can manage, and the absence of the security components that will allow the crime to take place (Crowe, 2000). 4.0 Crime prevention strategies When it comes to prevention of situational crime, the crime is perceived as opportunistic. In this case, the countermeasures are to reduce the opportunities that lead to criminal behaviors. This strategy involves identifying, manipulating and controlling the factors in the environment associated with the types of crimes (Fischer & Green, 2012). The assessment of the crime is based on the following measures: 4.1 The opportunistic theories This involves the possible societal changes that led to crime, decision-making process of the offender and the influence from the external environment (community and neighborhood). 4.2 Action research: This measure involves analyzing the problems of the specific crimes and the contribution factors. After coming up with the possibilities, the possible solutions are identified, selected and later implemented accordingly. 4.3 Classification Identified crimes are classified according to the situation strategies developed. For example, problem-oriented policing is an appropriate strategy for robbery. This theory helps in informing and designing of other specific interventions. 5.0 The common CPTED strategies Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) has four common strategies. They include: 5.1 Natural surveillance and Natural access control strategies The natural surveillance helps to limit the chances and opportunity for crime (Fennelly, 2013). For example, most organizations locate employees workstations on the open areas to increase the perception of the people that the location is closely monitored (Gibbs, Gore, McGarrell & Rivers, 2009). Also, some buildings are designed in a way that the entrances are built with transparent vestibules to divert people to reception areas. The intention of these designs is to show that people can be observed by others, and therefore giving the difference between the private and public space (Sakip, Salleh & Johari, 2012). According to Park, (2002), the potential criminals are subjected to greater risks at the public space making their means of escape limited. It is clear that even with the existence of traditional security systems, CPTED can be used to be used to control crime (Sakip, Johari & Salleh, 2012) 5.2 Territorial reinforcement Territorial reinforcement upholds social control through the following means. One, the space definition is increased, more expansion on the proprietary issue, extensive mode of ownership and promotes the support of activity and reinforcement of motivation. Clancey (2015) examined carefully in his research and found that these goals are achieved only when there is the increase in the assignment of space to the common users and reducing public areas. The environmental design of the various workstations may have changed with the adoption of CPTED concept. For instance, according to Tobias (2000), CPTED concept under this strategy may place amenities such as vending shops in the common areas. The reason for using such amenities is to attract the common users of the space. The use of this strategy assumes that when people are attracted to a common area, there is an increased perception that these areas are being controlled, and the likelihood of crime is low (Clancey, Lee & Fisher, 2012). 5.3 Management and maintenance For every security system, the management and maintenance of areas and activities are very important. Several research findings show that a well managed and maintained area have better returns on investment (Fennelly, 2013). For example, a well-planned facility, a hospital may be, have few problems anticipation. Also, the majority of the companies in developed countries like America have well-maintained sites. It is found that well-maintained site experience fewer repairs thus the interruption of the scheduled activities is less (Casteel & Peek-Asa, 2000). As a result, this area is perceived to have less exposure to crimes as well as losses. 5.4 The need for security The basic need of the security is to protect the society and people from harm (Crowe & Fennelly, 2013). A society with limited crimes is more likely to perform positively both economically and in terms of development. Fay (2007) stated that the people within can be their worst enemies especially when it comes to developing the good environmental design. The changing nature of environment has led to modification of security designs thus undermining CPTED goals and objectives. For example, a shift in front yard communication to a back yard communication. This move is a reflection of transition from public space to semipublic space. As a result, no one is responsible for offering protection from the outsiders or offenders. 5.5 Vulnerability of and fear of crime People fear crime because of many reasons. Research indicates that the vulnerability increases the levels of fear of crime Samuel (2013). Social vulnerability is where disorders lead in the society leads to social discourteousness. Many researchers have found that the social disorder increases the fear of crimes, irrespective of any chance of victimization (Cozens, Saville & Hillier, 2005). Sometimes people feel that they are not able to protect themselves may be because they are not fast or lack physical prowess. As a result, they end up subjected to physical vulnerability. The CPTED concept tries to integrate the security system and human behavior in a way that it will promote safe space. 5.6 Environmental design and fear of crime The built environment design is found to be one of the factors that influence the level of fear of crime. According to Sakip, Salleh & Johari (2012), individuals’ fear of crime varies depending on the practices defined by environmental conditions. The CPTED concept is one of the strategies found to be efficient in reducing the fear of crime. Many researchers find the relationship between the practice of CPTED and fear of crime as relevant in reducing crimes in various settings (Sakip, Johari & Salleh, 2012). 6.0 Is the principle of CPTED concept valid? Based on the three CPTED strategies mentioned, the CPTED concept can be used to reduce crime and fear f crime through the following ways: a) Territoriality: This element reinforces the sense of ownership to the legitimate users of the space. As a result, this strategy reduces the opportunity for criminals from entering the legitimate space. Offenders become illegitimate users of the space, and they can be easily identified. b) Surveillance: This element is based on the physical design. The design enables the ability to enhance informal and natural inspection opportunities for residents plus their agents. In this case, the surveillance is taken as a guardian the space. Therefore, if the criminals perceive that they can be observed or seen, then they may step back and less likely to commit the crime (Gibbs, Gore, McGarrell & Rivers, 2009). c) Maintenance: The CPTED concept is very effective in promoting a positive image in the built environment. It ensures that the physical environment transmit essential signals to the users regarding the situation of crimes. 6.1 CPTED strategies and fear of crimes A large body of literature support that there are elements in the CPTED concept that can be used effectively to reduce the fear of crime. Specifically, Davey, Wootton, Cooper & Press (2005) found that the good surveillance that uses lighting increases the visibility of the area in secluded regions thus reducing the fear of crimes. The element of territorial on the other side advances the human lifestyle through enforcement of limits. For example, a trespass event can lead to calling of police. 6.2 Fear of crime (FOC) and sense of community (SOC)/togetherness Over the last three decades, research on fear of crime has grown fast. The main emphasis has been the relationship between fear of crime and the built environment. Typically, CPTED concept has been proved to be effective in ensuring that people in the community feel safe and more in control thus making their environment secure. This relationship shows a strong relationship between fear of crime and sense of community improves the security of the society at all. The integration of the two elements strengthens the sense of togetherness as well as community identity (Sakip, Salleh & Johari, 2012). 7.0 Access control The concern about the concept of CPTED is whether it provides limits the access routes by the offenders. Apparently, the limiting of access control would mean that criminals will only use one entry to enter the space. As a result, the number of escape routes is limited, and the space secured against crime and fear of crime (Crowe & Fennelly, 2013). 8.0 Conclusion The literature reveals that the concept of CPTED has a positive influence on the reduction on of crime and fear of crime in the built environment. As examined in the literature, criminal activities can be lessened by the increase of surveillance and maintenance practices. Actually, all the three strategies of CPTED concept are established to reduce the feeling of fear of crime. Furthermore, apart from CPTED concept influencing the built environment, it also impacts the community. The literature findings also supported the previous ground that surveillance and maintenance elements can nature effective togetherness within the community. Overall, the CPTED concept reduces both crime and the fear of crime in the built environment. References Abdul, M., & Aishath, A. (2011). Residents' crime and safety perceptions in gated and non-gated low middle income communities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Journal Of Architecture, Planning And Construction Management, 1(1), 71-94. Burke, R. (2001). Understanding Crime Prevention: Social Control, Risk and Late Modernity. Secur J,14(3), 81-82. doi:10.1057/palgrave.sj.8340092 Casteel, C., & Peek-Asa, C. (2000). Effectiveness of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) in reducing robberies. American Journal Of Preventive Medicine, 18(4), 99-115. doi:10.1016/s0749-3797(00)00146-x Clancey, G. (2015). Think crime! Using evidence, theory and crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) for planning safer cities. Crime Prevention And Community Safety, 17(1), 67-69. doi:10.1057/cpcs.2014.18 Clancey, G., Lee, M., & Fisher, D. (2012). Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) and the New South Wales crime risk assessment guidelines: A critical review. Crime Prevention And Community Safety, 14(1), 1-15. doi:10.1057/cpcs.2011.10 Cossman, J., & Rader, N. (2011). FEAR OF CRIME AND PERSONAL VULNERABILITY: EXAMINING SELF-REPORTED HEALTH. Sociological Spectrum, 31(2), 141-162. doi:10.1080/02732173.2011.541339 Cozens, P., & Love, T. (2015). A Review and Current Status of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED). Journal Of Planning Literature. doi:10.1177/0885412215595440 Cozens, P., Saville, G., & Hillier, D. (2005). Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED): a review and modern bibliography. Property Management, 23(5), 328-356. doi:10.1108/02637470510631483 Crowe, T. (2000). Crime prevention through environmental design. Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann. Crowe, T., & Fennelly, L. (2013). Crime prevention through environmental design. Amsterdam: Elsevier. Davey, C., Wootton, A., Cooper, R., & Press, M. (2005). Design Against Crime: Extending the Reach of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design. Secur J, 18(2), 39-51. doi:10.1057/palgrave.sj.8340197 Fay, J. (2007). Encyclopedia of security management: Techniques and technology. (2nd ed.). Boston: Butterworth-Heinemann. Fennelly, L. (2013). Effective physical security (4th ed.). Amsterdam: Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann. Fischer, R., & Green, G. (2012). Introduction to security (9th ed.). Amsterdam: Butterworth-Heinemann. Gibbs, C., Gore, M., McGarrell, E., & Rivers, L. (2009). Introducing Conservation Criminology: Towards Interdisciplinary Scholarship on Environmental Crimes and Risks. British Journal Of Criminology, 50(1), 124-144. doi:10.1093/bjc/azp045 Park, C. (2002). Principles of Security and Crime Prevention, Fourth Edition. Secur J, 15(1), 83-84. doi:10.1057/palgrave.sj.8340106 Sakip, S., Johari, N., & Salleh, M. (2012). The Relationship between Crime Prevention through Environmental Design and Fear of Crime. Procedia - Social And Behavioral Sciences, 68, 628-636. doi:10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.12.254 Sakip, S., Salleh, M., & Johari, M. (2012). The Influences of CPTED on Fear of Crime and Sense of Community. Journal Of Environmental Science And Engineering B, 1(12), 1114-1156. Samuel, F. (2013). Crime prevention through housing design: policy and practice. Policing And Society,24(5), 620-622. doi:10.1080/10439463.2014.944022 Tobias, M. (2000). Locks, safes, and security. Springfield, Ill.: Charles C Thomas. Read More