CPTED: Territorial Reinforcement

Written by,
Michael Johnston
Chief Security Advisor at Boss Security Screens

Every space in our life is defined by some form of design element to establish boundaries and protect space that we consider to be our own. Whether it is a cubical wall in a shared office space or the fences that we erect around our homes and businesses, we like to define our territory. Territorial reinforcement serves many purposes. It certainly conveys to others that certain areas, not belonging to them, holds privacy rights but it also communicates an expectation of respect for such boundaries. While these examples represent a physical barrier to restrict and control movement into certain spaces, the use of landscaping and signage also supports our effort to establish territory.

Choosing the right physical form, i.e., gates and fencing, is directly dependent upon the needs and purpose for the barrier. Quite often, when exploring our options for physical barriers, we limit ourselves to choices based on budget, convenience, or an unawareness of other options. Budget is by far the most difficult to overcome. However, by increasing one’s knowledge of available options, you can often discover more preferrable alternatives that won’t bankrupt your budget. Convenience is usually associated with maintenance and upkeep.

So, let’s talk about how the majority of Las Vegas and the surrounding area is built. Block walls are king in the Las Vegas Valley. They provide maximum privacy, and they are easy to maintain if they are not stucco covered or painted. For these reasons, and their strength and durability, block is the preferred fencing in the Valley. But from a CPTED perspective, block is not always the ideal material. Remember, visibility and line of sight is the enemy of bad actors looking to commit crime. Solid walls provide the same concealment for them as it does for your family. These pictures show just how concealing a solid wall is in comparison to the alternatives. So, when you choose to go solid verses open with your fencing, you are making a conscious choice between privacy and visibility. The same is true for the styling of your gates. The CPTED principle of territorial reinforcement is not to provide absolute protection from the possibility of a perimeter breach, even the Trump wall at 30 feet is being breached with climbers coming over. The goal for our fencing should be to define the boundaries of our space, provide a deterrent, and to create a visual accent around the property within.

Now, territorial reinforcement can also be achieved using design materials and landscaping as well. If the goal is to define space, then look at this application of landscaping to define boundaries. Here we can see the use of plant material to accent the physical space while also creating a boundary to define a special purpose area. Anyone accessing this location can clearly see and feel the intended purpose which invites the intended human activity to that area. I also want to draw your attention to the use of physical materials used to indicate the public areas from private areas. If you notice, there is a change in color and material used in the sidewalks. The common or public area is highlighted with a lighter red brick and the areas leading into store front is specified with a dark mixed colored brick. The placement of benches also conveys a public use area, and it invites that prolonged human engagement. In residential areas, we see this frequently when special materials are used to transition from the public sidewalk to the private driveway and walkways of a residential home or the approach to a commercial building.

The beauty of landscaping is the versatility it provides. We can use it to accent our living spaces creating a special feel for each unique area and it can provide access control or territorial reinforcement depending on how it is applied. Creating boundaries and controlling access does not always have to be an expensive proposition. It does take a fair amount of research and exploration to see what would works best to achieve the desired results.

Once again, Boss Security Screens endeavors to be a great partner in the security space. While we provide the best-in-class security screening product in the market, we believe that an educated customer base will benefit from the multitude of options available to promote and enhance their physical security. As your partner in security, we will continue to offer value content that enhances your life.

Until next time, be safe and remain vigilant!

About Michael Johnston:

Michael was born and raised in rural Nebraska. He began his law enforcement career in 1989 with the Lincoln Police Department, Lincoln, NE, where he worked as a patrol officer for nearly four years. Michael joined the Henderson Police Department in 1993, first as a Corrections Officer and later as a Police Officer in June of 1995. During his tenure, Michael has worked as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, Officer in Charge, Crisis Negotiator, K-9 Handler, and Narcotics Investigator. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2005 and moved to the Investigations Division, where he supervised the Property and Special Victims Units. In 2009, Michael was promoted to Lieutenant, where he served as a Watch Commander in patrol and supervisor of the Community Relations Unit. In March of 2013, he became one of eight (8) Captains for the Henderson Police Department Command Team. Michael led the Special Services Division overseeing SWAT, K-9, and Motors but later took the lead as Division Commander of the Investigative Services Division until late 2017. Michael finished his career as the East Area Commander before retiring in early 2019. Immediately after retirement, Michael transitioned to the gaming industry, where he served as the Director of Security and Risk Assessment for Boulder Hwy Gaming and Water St Gaming, LLC. Michael created security strategies, training programs, and policies that reduced security risks and mitigated organizational liabilities. In late 2021, Michael opened Code 4 Consulting; Private Investigations (NV PILB LIC #3090). His company provides a broad spectrum of investigative services, case reviews, expert witness support, and executive protection. He also supports organizations with employee training, compliance, risk assessment, and prevention strategies to target organizational issues that create corporate risk and liability. Michael now joins Boss Security Screens as our Chief Security Advisor. Incorporating his training, experience, and expertise into our operation brings our customers valuable content and insight.

*The author is a paid consultant and product representative for Boss Security Screens. The information provided in this blog does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are the author's opinion and for general informational purposes only. It is recommended that you consult an attorney, certified trainers, or licensed providers before acting on any information provided. This website may link to other third-party websites. Such links are for the convenience of the reader and are not endorsed by the author.