North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

What does the acronym CPTED stand for?

1. Crime Prevention Through Effective Design

2. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Surveillance

3. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

4. Crime Prevention Through Efficient Defense

The correct answer is: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

CPTED stands for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. This concept focuses on the idea that the built environment can be designed in a way that reduces opportunities for crime and enhances the safety of communities. The rationale behind CPTED is that by strategically designing physical spaces, such as buildings, parks, and communities, law enforcement and urban planners can deter criminal behavior. This can include measures such as improving lighting, increasing visibility in public spaces, creating natural surveillance opportunities, and designing spaces that promote social interaction among community members. Understanding CPTED is crucial for law enforcement professionals as it equips them with knowledge on how to collaborate with urban planners and architects to create safer environments, thereby reducing crime rates proactively. Such strategies align with community policing principles by fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility within neighborhoods.