Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Practice Exam

Neighborhood surveys in CPTED practices should include the identification of:

1. The cost of living

2. Safe and unsafe places

3. The age of buildings

4. Local business types

The correct answer is: Safe and unsafe places

Neighborhood surveys in CPTED practices should indeed focus on the identification of safe and unsafe places. Understanding the areas within a neighborhood that are perceived as safe versus those viewed as unsafe is crucial for effective crime prevention strategies. This knowledge helps practitioners identify environmental factors that contribute to crime or fear of crime, such as poor visibility, lack of maintenance, or the presence of physical barriers that may facilitate criminal activity. By pinpointing specific locations that residents feel are unsafe, planners and law enforcement can implement targeted interventions, such as improving lighting, enhancing natural surveillance, and engaging community resources to foster a sense of safety. Identifying these areas also allows for the involvement of the community, which can lead to increased vigilance and a collaborative approach to address safety concerns. Other factors like the cost of living, age of buildings, or types of local businesses, while relevant in urban planning and community development, do not directly address the immediate goal of CPTED, which is to understand and improve the safety and security aspects of a neighborhood environment. Therefore, the emphasis on safe and unsafe places is paramount in the context of CPTED practices.