The Application of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design Principles - Research Paper Example

Canada, Australia, the US, the UK and their states2, etc. have made effective and efficient endeavors for preventing the crimes. Queensland, too, introduced guidelines for adopting such an approach for preventing crimes namely, 'Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED, also pronounced as sep-ted) Guidelines3 on November 27, 2007. CPTED is a set of design principles or approaches to discourage crimes4 (Deutsch, 2011). Its basic, underlying, thought of action is to anticipate the thought process of potential criminals or offenders5 (Wortley, 1998, pp. 173-88). Its aim is to create such an environment such that every possible criminal doesn’t even think of pursuing crimes or in other words doesn’t get a chance to make a crime. Society has to play a vital role in CPTED to come realized and to be really fruitful in action. This is to reiterate that its aim is not to punish or take lawful actions against criminals after pursuing crimes but to prevent the ‘possible’ crimes prior to their ‘likely’ happening.

Theory
CPTED is a scientific approach6 (Clarke & Felson, eds., 2004, pp. 329-30). Jeffery7 (1971) has contributed a lot in the theoretical field of CPTED along with coining this term for the first time. They not only explained its scientific nature but also connected the concept of CPTED to S-R learning theory given by educational scientists at their times. The concept of CPTED has gradually developed after passing through several tunnels like neighborhood and natural guardianship (in the 1960s), connection with S-R theory (in 1970s), broken windows and four dimensions of crime (in 1980s), interdisciplinary approach (in 1990s) and inclusion of social ecology and psychology in CPTED ( 2000 onwards)8. Currently, the concept of CPTED has gained the status of an international concept9. Several countries are thinking, sharing and working together under the umbrella of CPTED. The list of CPTED lies in the four principles which are Natural Surveillance, Natural Access Control, Territorial Reinforcement and Maintenance10 (Bratich, Packer & McCarthy, eds., 2003, p. 249).

The method used in the application of CPTED
It is important to learn what methods are being adopted in the application of CPTED. These methods, of course, are based upon four principles as mentioned above. CPTED guidelines for Queensland have been made public in 2007. These are a collaborative publication of several state government agencies, representative bodies including Police, Infrastructure and Planning, Local Government, Sport and Recreation and Communities departments. This is in coherence with providing ample concern to all four principles of CPTED. These guidelines suggest measures for guiding and encouraging public and private developers to design with CPTED in mind, guiding and encouraging local councils to incorporate the principles of CPTED in the preparation, review and implementation of planning schemes and policies, and informing and encouraging the community to participate in creating and maintaining safe environments. The Guidelines have been published in two parts; Part A11 consisting of essential features of safer places and Part B12 consisting of an implementation guide.

The method, as suggested in CPTED guidelines, can be briefly given as follows. Firstly, appointing Crime Prevention Coordinator (CPC) to implement CPTED Action Plan is the most important task. The chief role in CPTED is given to the local council; several communities, agencies, schools, associations, bodies, etc. are suggested to assist the local council. Next to this are analyzing crimes, crime reports, crime strategies and crime trends in the locality. Then it comes to be safety audits and management audits for enlisting ‘hot spots’ and analyzing the pooling of capacity. Afterward, actions are taken to reduce ‘hot spots’ and ensure safety at ‘hot spots. For private development, voluntary initiatives and regulatory management are been channelized. And, finally, the task of managing the interface between public and private development is carried out by the local council and CPC, with the help of all other possible agencies13. This is how CPTED is applied in society.