| Seattle
Neighborhood Group performs CPTED surveys
on new, existing or planned structures in
Seattle. We emphasize 5 areas in our CPTED
work. These areas are interconnected, acting
like spokes in a wheel…if one is weak
or missing, the wheel doesn’t work
well at all!
The first area we look at is called ‘Natural
Surveillance’ which means making environments
easy to see into and out of so users can
see what is happening in public places,
or on all parts of their property. Trespassers
and potential criminals will also feel unsafe
because they are too visible. Appropriate
use of lighting is an important part of
Natural Surveillance, and often that means
using less light than you might think! Glaring
or direct lights can be dangerous and hide
criminal activities.
The second area of emphasis is called ‘Access
Control’. Simply, this is about determining
who you want on the property, and limiting
access to those you don’t want. Placing
walkways, building entrances, fences, landscaping,
and lighting in such a way as to discourage
crime is important. It is also important
to incorporate the right mechanical systems
for Access Control. Proper locks, gate latches,
doors, and entry systems all contribute
to Access Control.
Third, we look at ‘Territorial Definition’
which is all about promoting proper use
of zones. There are 4 zones—public,
semi-public, semi-private, and private.
As you can tell, the zone name defines what
goes on in that zone. It is especially important
that environments exhibit these 4 zones,
and in the proper order! If a building or
site has its zones out of order, or if one
or two are missing, there will be serious
conflict of use, and general unhappiness.
Another part of Territorial Definition is
using signage and ‘wayfinding’
to good advantage. Examples are “No
Trespass” signs posted, or signs that
define where you are, like “Manager’s
Office”.
The fourth spoke of our CPTED wheel is
all about ‘Image and Maintenance’.
This is an easy one to grasp. Keeping properties
looking good on all sides (alleys and backyards
included) sends a powerful message that
the people here care about this place and
will not tolerate bad behavior in this area.
It is important clean and repair structures
and sites.
The last, (and maybe most important) idea
we use in CPTED practice is called ‘Community
Activation’. This is all about the
Power of People! Bringing people
together who live in a community, learning
to look out for each other and supporting
each other in crime prevention is really
important. All the other principles of CPTED
are worth very little when there are no
people who want to take care of the place
they live, work, or visit. Communities that
work together and get ‘activated’
can be really great places to live, where
everyone feels safe. That is the CPTED idea!
If you would like a CPTED survey on your
new, existing or planned structure in Seattle
please email call Kelly McKinney at 206-323-7084
or email SNG.
Learn
more - view a CPTED presentation
Get
the CPTED Brochure
Plant
List for Natural Access Control |
