PSC Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Second-generation CPTED differs from first-generation CPTED primarily by:
- Focusing exclusively on technological security solutions
- Incorporating social and community factors alongside physical design (Correct answer)
- Replacing natural surveillance with electronic surveillance
- Eliminating the need for security personnel entirely
Correct answer: Incorporating social and community factors alongside physical design
Second-generation CPTED adds social dimensions—including community cohesion and connectivity—to complement the physical design strategies of first-generation CPTED.
Question 2: In a parking garage, which design feature BEST supports natural surveillance?
- Solid concrete half-walls dividing parking sections
- Opaque perimeter walls for vehicle privacy
- Open floor plates with transparent barriers and clear sightlines (Correct answer)
- Individual enclosed parking bays with solid doors
Correct answer: Open floor plates with transparent barriers and clear sightlines
Open floor plates with transparent barriers maximize sightlines throughout the structure, enabling users and security staff to observe activity across the entire area.
Question 3: Which site design approach is MOST consistent with CPTED natural access control principles?
- Multiple unsecured entry and exit points around the building
- A single, well-lit main entrance with clearly defined pathways (Correct answer)
- Concealed emergency exits accessible only from the inside
- Unrestricted vehicle access around the entire building perimeter
Correct answer: A single, well-lit main entrance with clearly defined pathways
A single, well-lit main entrance with defined pathways naturally channels visitors through monitored areas and discourages unauthorized access to the site.
Question 4: A building setback from the street is considered a CPTED enhancement primarily because it:
- Reduces noise and vibration from street traffic
- Creates a standoff distance that limits vehicle-borne threats and provides reaction time (Correct answer)
- Improves the building's curb appeal and aesthetic value
- Reduces heating and cooling costs for the building
Correct answer: Creates a standoff distance that limits vehicle-borne threats and provides reaction time
A building setback creates standoff distance that provides security personnel additional reaction time and reduces the blast and impact radius of vehicle-borne threats.
Question 5: When applying CPTED to retail environments, which approach is MOST effective at deterring shoplifting?
- Positioning high-value merchandise near back walls away from exits
- Using tall shelving units throughout the store to maximize product display
- Placing cashier stations near exits with clear sightlines to the store (Correct answer)
- Reducing store lighting near entrances to create a welcoming ambiance
Correct answer: Placing cashier stations near exits with clear sightlines to the store
Cashier stations near exits with clear sightlines combine natural surveillance and natural access control, deterring theft by increasing the likelihood of observation and interception.
Question 6: The concept of 'activity support' in CPTED refers to:
- Providing adequate break facilities for security guard personnel
- Programming spaces with legitimate activities to increase natural surveillance (Correct answer)
- Installing activity sensors and motion detectors throughout a facility
- Supporting employee wellness and mental health programs
Correct answer: Programming spaces with legitimate activities to increase natural surveillance
Activity support involves programming spaces with legitimate uses and activities that naturally increase the presence of authorized users, improving surveillance and deterring criminal activity.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST represents the CPTED principle of 'image and aesthetics'?
- Ensuring security camera housings match the building's exterior color scheme
- Maintaining a clean, well-kept environment that signals active ownership and care (Correct answer)
- Displaying prominent security company logos and warning signs
- Selecting aesthetically pleasing locks that blend with door hardware
Correct answer: Maintaining a clean, well-kept environment that signals active ownership and care
Image and aesthetics in CPTED refers to maintaining a well-kept environment that signals active ownership, psychologically deterring criminal activity through visible signs of care.
PSC Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) 2
Second-generation CPTED differs from first-generation CPTED primarily by: