Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Practice Exam

What is one of the main purposes of conducting a CPTED security survey?

1. To identify potential profit opportunities for security companies

2. To provide insights into neighborhood demographics

3. To analyze and improve environmental design for crime prevention

4. To establish connections with local law enforcement

The correct answer is: To analyze and improve environmental design for crime prevention

The primary purpose of conducting a CPTED security survey is to analyze and improve environmental design for crime prevention. This approach focuses on modifying the physical environment to enhance safety and deter criminal behavior. By examining aspects such as lighting, natural surveillance, site layout, and territoriality, a CPTED survey identifies vulnerabilities in the environment that could be exploited by criminals. The insights gained from the survey can inform strategies to redesign spaces and incorporate protective measures, thus making an area less inviting for potential offenders. This proactive strategy emphasizes creating safe, secure environments where crime is less likely to occur, which is the essence of CPTED principles. While understanding neighborhood demographics and fostering relationships with law enforcement can be beneficial, they are secondary to the fundamental goal of using environmental design to prevent crime. Similarly, while security companies may be motivated by profit, the core intention of a CPTED survey is to enhance community safety through thoughtful, evidence-based design evaluations.