Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Practice Exam

What term describes the use of sidewalks, paving materials, lighting, and landscaping to guide or allow access to a site?

1. Natural access control

2. Territorial reinforcement

3. Mechanical security

4. Physical surveillance

The correct answer is: Natural access control

The term that best describes the use of sidewalks, paving materials, lighting, and landscaping to guide or allow access to a site is natural access control. This concept focuses on the strategic design of the physical environment to influence the movement and behavior of people. By using pathways, well-placed lighting, and appropriate landscaping, natural access control helps direct visitors toward desired entrances while naturally deterring unauthorized access to certain areas. This design method encourages legitimate use of the space while reducing opportunities for crime. The importance of natural access control lies in its ability to create a welcoming environment while also increasing safety, as individuals can see and be seen, making it less likely for criminal activity to occur. This approach enhances the perceived levels of security and encourages natural surveillance. In contrast, territorial reinforcement emphasizes establishing ownership of a space through design features, while mechanical security involves physical barriers such as locks and alarms. Physical surveillance refers to the use of observation tactics to monitor activities within a space, often relying on technology rather than environmental design. While all these concepts play roles in crime prevention, natural access control specifically addresses the design elements that guide and manage access.