Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) theories contend that law enforcement officers, architects, city planners, landscape, and interior designers, can create a climate of safety in a community right from the start.  The goal of applied CPTED principles is to prevent crime by designing a physical environment that positively influences human behavior. The theory is based on five principles:  natural access control, natural surveillance, territoriality, activity support, and maintenance.

• Natural Surveillance - The intended users can observe the property. Effective lighting of a property is an example of natural surveillance.

• Natural Access Control - Controlling and reducing the number of access points to a property. Gated communities are an example of access control.

• Territorial Reinforcement - Creating a clear delineation of space and separates your space from non-legitimate users.

• Activity Support - Placing activity where individuals become part of the natural surveillance.

• Maintenance - Regularly scheduled maintenance routine will ensure the property demonstrates territoriality and natural surveillance.

At no cost, Sergeant Grozier, our department’s Community Relations Section Supervisor, will assess your home and provide recommendations that will increase the security stance of your home and elevate your awareness. The first purpose of a Home CPTED assessment is to identify features in your home or the daily routines of your family which might make your home an easy target for a burglar. The second purpose is to advise you what steps can be taken to eliminate or reduce those hazards.  Sergeant Grozier obtained the CPTED Professional Designation after completing the Basic CPTED and Advanced CPTED courses through the National Institute of Crime Prevention.  Sergeant Grozier has also completed several additional courses through various organizations and agencies.

What to expect from an assessment:

The CPTED assessment begins at your front door and includes an inspection of other doors, windows, locks, lights, and landscaping. Sergeant Grozier will compile a checklist of security weaknesses and hazards that require your attention. This list is then accompanied by considerations to employ that can reduce the opportunity for crime. The assessment report and considerations are left entirely with you, and all aspects of the assessment are kept confidential.  For more information or to schedule an assessment for your home, business, or place of worship, please contact Sergeant Grozier at jvg@southwhitehall.com or 610-794-3271.