Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Practice Exam

What is the primary goal of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)?

1. The reduction of crime through surveillance strategies

2. The proper design and effective use of the built environment

3. The increase of public spaces for community engagement

4. The implementation of technology in urban planning

The correct answer is: The proper design and effective use of the built environment

The primary goal of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is the proper design and effective use of the built environment. This approach emphasizes creating spaces that inherently discourage criminal behavior by considering the physical environment's role in influencing people's interactions with space and each other. Effective design includes strategic planning of layout, lighting, landscaping, and other environmental factors that improve visibility and create a sense of ownership and community. By modifying the physical environment in such a way, CPTED aims not only to deter criminal activity but also to promote legitimate use of space, increase safety perceptions, and enhance overall community well-being. Other strategies, such as surveillance, community engagement, and technology use, can support CPTED principles but are not its primary focus. Surveillance strategies are a facet of how design can enhance safety, while community engagement and technology may play supportive roles within the larger framework of environmental design. Ultimately, the holistic and strategic use of the built environment itself is central to achieving the goals of CPTED.