CPTED: Putting It All Together

Before vs After

This post will be the last and final installment of our CPTED series. I have written on and explained three of the four critical principles; Natural Surveillance, Natural Access Control, and Territorial Reinforcement. We will now turn to the fourth and final principle of maintenance. Nothing works well without an investment. I am not talking about money as much as I am talking about the personal investment of time and thought. Failing to plan and provide maintenance for any of the concepts we have discussed is just a plan to fail. Just like our vehicles and even our physical person, we must provide proper maintenance, or the entire system will break down.

Have you ever heard of the "Broken Window Theory?" This theory suggests that when small problems go unattended in a given environment, it will affect people's attitude toward that environment and ultimately lead to bigger problems. For example, we have all seen graffiti in our neighborhoods. What happens if we do not immediately address the presence of this vandalism by painting over it? That's simple; we see more and more graffiti. The same goes for vacant lots in a neighborhood that is not maintained. We will soon see homeless camps, transient activities, and illegal dumping in such areas. Ultimately, indifference on our part will instill apathy in others. Soon, the attitude of the entire environment, in some cases an entire neighborhood, will begin to deteriorate. This is how we become numb to increasing acts of crime and violence. It starts small and grows right before our eyes.

Maintenance allows for the continued use of space for its intended purpose. It also serves as an expression of ownership. It sends a message that there is an investment and an expectation surrounding a given location. Using what we learned in our landscaping discussion when a property is appropriately planned and well maintained, the function of crime deterrence is achieved. Reducing a would-be-criminals cover and concealment makes that target harder to access. The same can be said about the lighting, the placement of security measures like cameras and or alarms, or the addition of security screens. If these are designed and applied as part of a larger security effort, then proper maintenance of that space will ensure that each system complements the other and works together.

To assist you in your CPTED planning, development, and maintenance, I have created a template that I use for Boss Security Screens when I do assessments. In addition, I am providing our readers with a copy of this checklist. Just remember that the application of CPTED principles is more complex that what I have presented in this blog series. I will encourage our readers to do additional research if they intend to maximize the benefits of this program. As you become more familiar with the program, you can add your personal touches through your creativity.

Boss Security Screens is always here to assist. If you wish to have a professional in-home analysis, I can do those for you as well. Just reach out to the office, and they will put you in contact. I hope you enjoyed this series as much as I did writing them.

Until next time, be safe and remain vigilant!

Written by,

Michael Johnston

Chief Security Advisor at Boss Security Screens

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.

*The CPTED concepts presented in this article come from the NICP, National Institute of Crime Prevention, CPTED training manual. The definitions and verbiage contained in this article come as quoted and cited material. The purpose is to share the concepts as accurately as possible and apply them as intended.