Crime Prevention through Environmental Design

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (C.P.T.E.D. pronounced as "Sep-ted") is a proactive crime fighting technique in which the proper design and effective use of parks, open spaces, buildings and surroundings lead to a reduction in crime as well as an improvement in the quality of life for the entire community. While CPTED principles can reduce the opportunity for crime, additional programs should be implemented to tackle the root cause of the crimes affecting the areas where the audits are performed. These steps go hand in hand to create a safer environment to work, live or play.

The four key concepts of CPTED are:

• NATURAL SURVEILLANCE – This design concept is intended to allow intruders and offenders to be easily viewable to people passing the property and those using the property. Placing physical features, activities and people in ways that maximize the ability to see what is going on tends to discourage crime. Landscaping and lighting are two methods used to provide natural surveillance.
• TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT – This strategy creates and extends the property’s sphere of influence, which is the perception that someone is in control of the area. This strategy distinguishes what is private space from public space by using landscaping, pavement designs, signage and fences.
• NATURAL ACCESS CONTROL – This strategy is intended to decrease the opportunity for crime by denying access to a potential targets and increasing the perception of risk to the offender. This can include properly located entrances, exits, fencing, landscaping and lighting, which can all direct both foot and motor vehicle traffic in ways that discourage crime.
• TARGET HARDENING – This strategy enhances the physical security of crime target through the use of locks, door and window types, security alarms, and other crime prevention methods.

The Corvallis Police Department's Community Livability Unit offers CPTED site audits. A site audit consists of meeting with a member of the Community Livability Unit to discuss what changes could be implemented at the specified location (building, park, yard, etc). After the meeting and walk through of the property, the officer will produce a CPTED report, which will be provided to you. This report will outline all of the recommendations made.

For more information or to schedule an audit, please contact the Community Livability Team at Community.Livability@CorvallisOregon.gov or 541-766-6729.