Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Practice Exam

The windows on the exterior of a building are an example of which concept?

1. Natural access control

2. Natural surveillance

3. Mechanical security

4. Territorial reinforcement

The correct answer is: Natural surveillance

The correct answer is that the windows on the exterior of a building exemplify the concept of natural surveillance. This principle emphasizes the importance of visibility to enhance safety and reduce crime. Windows, by being transparent barriers, allow occupants to observe outside activity and enable passersby to see into the building, fostering a sense of accountability. Natural surveillance is effective because it discourages potential criminal activity; when individuals feel they are being watched, they are less likely to engage in unlawful behavior. Furthermore, well-lit and unobstructed windows can enhance visibility, making it easier for residents and law enforcement to identify suspicious activities. The other options, while important concepts in CPTED, do not align directly with the role of windows. Natural access control focuses on strategies that physically direct individuals into or out of a space, mechanical security pertains to locks and technology designed to secure a property, and territorial reinforcement involves using physical markers to indicate ownership and deter intruders. In contrast, the primary role of windows lies in promoting visibility, which is central to the concept of natural surveillance.