Designing A Space Around Safety
Times have changed, and the old days of leaving doors unlocked and putting your safety in the hands of fate are gone. If you’re looking to play a more active role in community safety, the Pasco Sheriff’s Office is providing information on a system taught by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) called “The 4 Ds of Crime Prevention.” This systematic approach is part of the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) methodology, which outlines how people can create spaces to reduce certain crimes.
Public safety is not solely the responsibility of first responders; it requires collaboration from everyone who lives here. The four steps below explore safety aspects that people often overlook or forget when designing an environment.
Deter: You don’t have to be a criminal mastermind to understand that a well-lit building with security cameras isn’t the best target for committing a crime. Visible security measures will make anyone think twice before acting unlawfully. Criminals tend to seek out easy targets. By adding obstacles such as fences or extra locks, you can deter them from following through with their intentions. Send the right message by posting warning signs outside the property, alerting potential criminals to the security measures in place, and demonstrating that your location does not tolerate illegal activity. Additionally, maintain your property and keep plants near windows trimmed to eliminate hiding places. The deterrent step primarily focuses on security measures for outside the property, but it can also be digital. Business owners should consider installing antivirus software on devices and electronic key control systems for access to high-security areas to discourage threats and attacks.
Detect: There’s no need for a crystal ball; there are other effective methods to detect a crime before it happens. Installing security equipment such as motion sensors, alarm systems, and video surveillance can help detect the presence of an intruder. Some security systems can emit a loud sound, alerting the person that you are aware of their presence and discouraging them from committing a crime. Even if these tools do not prevent the crime, they can assist law enforcement in their investigations. We also recommend installing wide-angle door viewers on exterior doors to increase your visibility of anyone outside. Consider implementing a neighborhood watch or getting security personnel, as they can serve as an additional crime detection measure.
Delay: When an attack occurs, every minute counts. It’s important to develop a plan that slows down intruders and makes entry as difficult as possible. The doors and locks you choose can significantly delay criminal activity. Consider installing solid-core wood or metal doors equipped with strike plates and metal deadbolts, as these features make it harder to kick down a door. Additionally, fences can serve as both a barrier and a deterrent, further delaying an intruder’s access to your property. If you have sliding doors, you can reinforce these entrances by using dowel bars or pins. Implementing these delaying measures provides first responders with crucial time to arrive and gives people inside the property time to respond safely.
Deny: The final defense to crime prevention is denying a criminal’s access to your valuables or information. Maintain a detailed log of your possessions, and if possible, register or engrave your items. Using safes or vaults are also an excellent way to protect physical belongings, but it’s equally important to safeguard the critical information stored on your digital devices. To enhance your digital security, use strong passwords that include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers. Change your passwords regularly and implement multi-factor authentication for additional protection. We also recommend limiting access to confidential data to ensure its safety.
PSO is proud to have several sworn and civilian members who are certified in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). These members regularly share their expertise with local businesses, institutions, and other community spaces by providing personalized assessments and educating individuals on ways to enhance safety in their environments.
You can request a PSO member to give a CPTED presentation at your location by going to https://pascosheriff.com/schedule-pso/.
Together, we can deter crime and improve safety for everyone.
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