Recently, Northville Township Police Department’s Community Resource Officer Andy Domzalski attended a Michigan State University training course on Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED, pronounced sep-ted). The CPTED concept uses principles for optimizing building designs and the surrounding environment that can lead to a reduction in, the fear of, and the incidence of, crime, to improve the quality of life.

Here are some basic recommendations:

Maximize Visibility:

• Design spaces so that users can see and be seen, both inside and out.
• Install ample lighting, especially around entry points, pathways, and parking areas.
• Use windows and low fences to maintain clear sightlines.

Avoid Blind Spots:

• Eliminate potential hiding spots around buildings, such as recessed doorways and overgrown landscaping.
• Position security cameras to cover areas not easily visible.

Define Entry Points:

• Use fences, gates, and landscaping to clearly indicate public vs. private spaces.
• Ensure entrances are well-lit and visible from the street or nearby buildings.

Direct Movement:

• Design pathways and entrances to guide people through the space in a controlled manner.
• Use barriers to restrict access to non-public areas.

Establish Ownership:

• Use signage, landscaping, and architectural features to create a sense of ownership and delineate private property.
• Maintain properties well to convey that they are cared for and monitored.

Encourage Community Interaction:

• Design communal areas, such as parks and plazas, to promote positive social interactions.
• Encourage residents and business owners to take an active role in maintaining and overseeing their surroundings.

Upkeep:

• Regularly maintain buildings, landscapes, and lighting to prevent deterioration and reduce opportunities for crime.
• Address vandalism, graffiti, and broken fixtures promptly.

Engage the Community:

• Involve community members in reporting maintenance issues and participating in upkeep efforts.

Strengthen Entry Points:

• Use sturdy doors, locks, and windows to make unauthorized access difficult.
• Install alarm systems and security cameras where necessary.

Use Security Features:

• Consider employing security personnel or neighborhood watch programs to deter criminal activity.
• Use advanced technology, such as motion detectors and smart locks, to enhance security.

Encourage Legitimate Use:

• Design spaces that encourage regular and legitimate use by residents and visitors.
• Provide amenities, such as benches, playgrounds, and outdoor seating, to attract positive activities.

Discourage Illegitimate Activities:

• Implement measures that discourage loitering and other undesirable activities, such as appropriate seating design and monitored spaces.

Implementing CPTED principles requires a thoughtful approach to urban planning and building design, focusing on the interaction between people and their environment to create safer, more livable communities. 

Click here to view a video of Officer Domzalski with more information, and feel free to reach out to Officer Domzalski at adomzalski@twp.northville.mi.us if you’re interested in scheduling a home/ business security survey.