Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Practice Exam

What role does transparency play in the placement of walls and fences?

1. It obscures view

2. It enhances surveillance

3. It limits access

4. It ensures privacy

The correct answer is: It enhances surveillance

Transparency in the context of walls and fences relates to how much visibility is allowed through these structures. The concept of enhancing surveillance is crucial in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). When walls and fences are designed with transparency in mind—such as using materials like wrought iron or picket fencing—they create visual connections between different spaces. This visibility allows individuals and the community to observe activities in and around their environment. Enhancing surveillance is important because it can deter criminal behavior; when potential offenders know they can be seen, they are less likely to commit crimes. Additionally, increased visibility encourages a sense of community as neighbors can keep an eye on each other's properties, fostering a collective responsibility towards safety. The other options focus on different outcomes that do not necessarily align with the CPTED principle of enhancing surveillance. For instance, obscuring views can create blind spots that facilitate crime rather than prevent it. Limiting access might improve security but does not inherently enhance the ability to monitor an area. While ensuring privacy has its importance in design, it often contradicts the principles of transparency aimed at promoting visibility for surveillance purposes. Thus, enhancing surveillance is the most aligned with the goals of CPTED when considering the role of transparency in barriers such as walls and fences.