Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Practice Exam

Which approach uses paving treatments, landscaping, art, and signage to outline property ownership?

1. Natural access control

2. Territorial reinforcement

3. Crime prevention

4. Natural surveillance

The correct answer is: Territorial reinforcement

The concept of territorial reinforcement focuses on establishing clear boundaries and ownership of space to deter criminal activity and encourage community stewardship. By using methods such as paving treatments, landscaping, art, and signage, this approach visually communicates to both users and potential intruders that a particular area is cared for and monitored. The presence of maintained landscaping and identifiable markers can foster a sense of ownership among those who use the space, effectively signalling that the area is not only private but also a place of community pride. This dynamic can generate a natural resistance to crime, as people are less likely to commit offenses in spaces that appear well-defined and monitored by their legitimate users. Therefore, territorial reinforcement is instrumental in promoting safety and security within a defined area.