An Assessment of the Extent of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Across the U.S. Universities

• In Event: Back to the Basics: Specific and General Deterrence

Abstract

The issue of campus safety has been raised as a matter of great concern in recent years. The growing rates of on-campus crimes and the serious problems that students may experience following their victimization have highlighted the importance of taking proper preventive actions to deal with the issue of crime on university campuses. While efforts to make school campuses safer commonly focus on greater policy restrictions and policing procedures, another approach entails the manipulation of environmental design to reduce the suitability of campus facilities as a venue for crime. It remains uncertain, however, whether campuses with more secure designs experience less crime. This study examines the application and impact of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) on the extent of campus safety. It is hypothesized that campuses with design regulations that are consistent with CPTED principles will have lower rates of crime incidents compared to the other campuses. The study relies on a quantitative comparative assessment of a national sample of college campuses. Implications for policy are discussed.

Author

• Auzeen Shariati, Florida International University