What is the role of surveillance technology in CPTED?

Surveillance technology plays a crucial role in the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) by serving to supplement natural surveillance and deter crime. While natural surveillance relies on the ability of people to observe their surroundings—such as through well-placed windows or high foot traffic—technological surveillance enhances this by providing additional oversight and can capture activities that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The presence of surveillance cameras and other technologies acts as a deterrent to potential criminals, who may be less inclined to commit offenses if they know they are being monitored. Additionally, these systems can help in the post-incident analysis by providing evidence that can assist law enforcement, thereby increasing overall safety in a community.

This option is aligned with CPTED strategies, which emphasize making environments safer through design and the strategic use of technology without fully relying solely on it to replace natural monitoring methods.