Security Lighting and CPTED Flashcards

What CPTED concept involves designing spaces so that legitimate users naturally observe and informally supervise the area through their normal activities?

Answer: Natural surveillance

Natural surveillance positions windows, seating, and activity generators so that legitimate users — employees, residents, customers — naturally observe the space during routine use, deterring criminal activity.

For a parking garage security lighting design, what is the recommended minimum maintained horizontal illuminance at pavement level according to IES RP-20?

Answer: 5.0 foot-candles (54 lux)

IES RP-20 recommends a minimum 5.0 foot-candles maintained horizontal illuminance at pavement level in parking garages to support both personal safety and camera surveillance effectiveness.

Which CPTED strategy is applied when a facility uses visible security measures — cameras, lighting, guard booths — to signal to potential offenders that detection is likely?

Answer: Target hardening

Target hardening makes the potential target more difficult and risky to attack through visible security measures that increase perceived detection and apprehension risk for potential offenders.

What is the primary security risk associated with allowing trees to grow tall near security lighting fixtures at a facility perimeter?

Answer: Tall trees can provide climbing access over perimeter fences and block security lighting coverage

Tall trees near the perimeter can be used as climbing aids to scale fences, and their canopies can block security lighting, creating dark zones that benefit intruders.

In a CPTED assessment, a security professional observes that a building's main entrance is hidden from the street and from other building occupants. What CPTED deficiency does this represent?

Answer: Lack of natural surveillance / poor sightlines to entry

A hidden entrance lacks natural surveillance because neither passersby nor other building occupants can observe who is entering or loitering, creating opportunity for assault, theft, or unauthorized entry.

What US standard or guideline provides specific maintained illuminance recommendations for security lighting in different facility zones (perimeter, parking, vehicle gates)?

Answer: IES RP-33 (Recommended Practice for Lighting Exterior Environments)

IES RP-33 provides detailed maintained illuminance recommendations for exterior security lighting zones including perimeters, parking areas, vehicle gates, and pedestrian pathways.