Security Consulting and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) 
Security consultants use this approach to deterring criminal activity through environmental design as opposed to target / building hardening. CPTED strategies rely upon the ability to influence offender decisions prior to the criminal act. Normally most uses of CPTED occur within urban areas by altering the physical design of the communities in which residents reside and congregate in order to deter criminal activity. Board certified security consultants use CPTED principles of design to affect elements of the built environment ranging from the small-scale (such as the strategic use of shrubbery and other vegetation) to include building form of an entire urban neighborhood and the amount of opportunity for more residents on the street.

Natural Surveillance
Security Consultants like to utilize natural surveillance concepts because it increases the threat of apprehension by taking steps to increase the perception that people can be seen. Natural surveillance occurs by designing the placement of physical features, activities and people in such a way as to maximize visibility and foster positive social interaction among legitimate users of private and or public space. Potential offenders feel increased scrutiny and limitations on their escape routes.

Natural Access Control
Natural access control limits the opportunity for crime by taking steps to clearly differentiate between public space and private space. By selectively placing entrances and exits, fencing, lighting and landscape to limit access or control flow, natural access control occurs. 

Natural Territorial Reinforcement 
Territorial reinforcement promotes social control through increased definition of space and improved proprietary concern. An environment designed to clearly delineate private space does two things. First, it creates a sense of ownership. Owners have a vested interest and are more likely to challenge intruders or report them to the police. Second, the sense of owned space creates an environment where "strangers" or "intruders" stand out and are more easily identified. By using buildings, fences, pavement, signs, lighting and landscape to express ownership and define public, semi-public and private space, natural territorial reinforcement occurs. Additionally, these objectives can be achieved by assignment of space to designated users in previously unassigned locations. 

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To learn more about our Security Consulting Services, contact us at info@secureoptionsconsulting.com or call 1-866-850-6863.