Ask an Officer

View Image Gallery

Question: What is CPTED and how is it used by the Euclid Police Department?

Answer: Kate McLaughlin, Community Policing Specialist

The problem of crime can occur when a motivated offender finds a suitable target in a vulnerable place, illustrated in the Crime Triangle.  If one of three sides of the Crime Triangle is addressed, it can prevent the crime.  We can use crime prevention measures to protect ourselves from becoming a victim, and we can establish safeguards to protect places.  CPTED, an acronym for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, is one of those measures to protect places.  CPTED is defined as a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior by designing a physical environment that positively influences human behavior.  There are several strategies to designing a safer space.   Natural Access Control denies access to a crime target and increases the risk to offenders such as signs, barriers, landscaping, and door locks.  Natural Surveillance facilitates observation and is achieved through windows, open views, lighting, and security cameras.  Territorial Reinforcement relates to the belief that physical design contributes to ownership.  If normal users develop a sense of control in their space, an offender may be less likely to enter that space.  Physical Maintenance involves keeping the property well maintained, and Order Maintenance involves having rules and guidelines in place. The Euclid Police Department utilizes CPTED when conducting security surveys for Euclid businesses to offer crime prevention suggestions on how to improve security in and around a facility.  Euclid businesses that might be interested in having a CPTED security survey conducted at their property should call EPD Community Policing at 289-8449.

If you would like to submit a question to Ask an Officer, contact Community Policing at the Euclid Police Department:  email kmclaughlin@cityofeuclid.com or call 216-289-8449.