Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

For over five decades, Seattle Public Schools has collaborated closely with the Seattle Police Department’s Crime Prevention Coordinators to conduct safety audits of our school campuses using the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) concepts to ensure the safety and security of our school campuses. This partnership plays a critical role in promoting a secure learning environment for students and staff.

What is CPTED?

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a proactive approach to campus safety that emphasizes the importance of physical design and environmental planning to reduce crime and enhance safety. CPTED uses a set of principles that guide the improvement of school environments by minimizing the risk of security threats.

CPTED Walkthrough Process

Seattle Public Schools, in collaboration with the CPTED Team from the Seattle Police Department, conducts thorough safety Walkthrough of school campuses. This involves detailed walkthroughs of both the interior and exterior areas of each school site. During the audits, the team identifies potential safety risk and provides recommendations based on CPTED principles. 

4 Main Principles of CPTED

1. Access Control: Control who enters and exits the campus to reduce opportunities for unauthorized access and criminal activity. Measures may in include secure entryways, gates, and electronic access systems.
2. Natural Surveillance: Design school spaces to maximize visibility. Clear sightlines and strategic lighting help deter inappropriate behavior by increasing the likelihood that activities will be observed.
3. Territorial Reinforcement: Reinforce a sense of ownership over campus spaces by creating clear distinctions between public and private areas. Signage, fencing. And well-maintained boundaries signal that the space is cared for and monitored.
4. Maintenance/Landscaping: Proper maintenance and upkeep of the school environment are essential. Well-maintained landscaping, lighting, and facilities send a message that the school is actively managed, which discourages vandalism and other unwanted behavior.

How We Address CPTED Findings

After a CPTED walkthrough is conducted, the Capital Projects, Safety & Security Project Manager collaborates with the Facilities Operations Department to create a priority list of improvements. These priorities are based on the audit findings, ensuring that any risks identified during the walkthrough are addressed in a timely manner, using CPTED principles as a guiding framework.

By continuously applying these advanced strategies, we ensure our schools remain secure, welcoming, and conducive to learning.