What is a Brownfield? Brownfield: A tract of land that has been developed for industrial purposes, polluted, and then abandoned. – Merriam-Webster’s 10 th Edition – Abandoned properties are typically a source of blight and/or crime. Usually, these lots are not well maintained and/or are inviting to criminal activity. – The land may be contaminated by low concentrations of hazardous waste or pollution, and has the ability to be reused or redeveloped for other commercial/residential use or may even be reclaimed as green space for neighborhood beautification projects once it has been cleaned up in accordance with applicable laws or regulations. – Public Safety should be prime consideration in the early planning stage and throughout the reclamation and redevelopment of brownfield spaces. – The principals of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design are important to consider early in the planning process and throughout.

What is CPTED? Crime Prevention is the anticipation, recognition, and appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of some action to remove or reduce the risk. – National Crime Prevention Institute Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is the proper design and management of the physical environment to increase public safety, reduce the fear of crime, and improve the quality of life. – Dan Fleisnner and Fred Heinzelmann, Ph.D.

CPTED CPTED attempts to reduce crime and fear by reducing criminal opportunity and fostering positive social interaction among legitimate users of a community space. CPTED is not a stand alone prevention measure and is intended to compliment other measures that promote safety, security, and an improved quality of life.

Basic CPTED Key Elements 1.Surveillance – Ensuring the ability to see or be seen – May require clear lines of sight and proper lighting – Surveillance Cameras may also be deployed 2.Access Control – Managing access by channeling or regulating the flow of persons to and from spaces through designated entrances or exit ways. – Target Hardening: Locks, Alarm Systems, Gates, etc. 3.Territorial Behavior – Defining and delineating controlled space – Maintenance: reinforces concern and ownership – Behavior Management Acceptable vs. Unacceptable behavior within a defined space – What do you want to occur and what do you not want to occur? Natural – People and Landscaping Organized – planned activities (Activity Support): Farmer’s Market, Neighborhood Watch Walks, Community Events, Public Transit, etc. Mechanical – technology: Surveillance Cameras (CCTV), Alarms, Locks, Fences, etc.

Assessing the Space Physical Environment (Consider form vs. function) – Does the environment present many opportunities for crime to occur? Behavior of People – Does it feel safe for you or safe for someone with criminal intentions? Productive use of space – Can normal business take place there? Crime/Loss Prevention – Is property safe or at risk of damage or theft?

Assessing the Space (3D) 1.Designation – What is or will be the designated purpose of the space? – For what purpose was it originally intended? – How well does the space support its current or the intended use? – Is there a conflict in the designated purpose? 2.Definition – How is the space defined? – Is it clear who owns it? – Where are the borders? – Are there social or cultural definitions that affect how space is used? – Are the legal or administrative rules clearly set out and reinforced in policy? – Are there signs or are signs needed? – Is there conflict or confusion between designated purpose and definition? 3.Design – How well does the physical design support the intended function? – How well does the physical design support the desired or accepted behaviors? – Does the physical design conflict with or impede the productive use of the space or the proper functioning of the intended human activity? – Is there confusion or conflict in the manner in which the physical design is intended to control behavior?

Where’s the Money? That’s a very good Question… Many, if not all, of the CPTED principles can be incorporated with very little cost associated. The important thing is to see that these practices are being utilized in your redevelopment or reclamation of the brownfields in your community. Your local police department or even city planning department may already have CPTED experts on board that can assist.

So…, really, Where’s the Money? There are many aspects of neighborhood restoration that can benefit from CPTED that go beyond brownfields, including but not limited to schools, residential properties, parks, and commercial main streets. With that said, CPTED practices and principles should have a presence in almost all of your neighborhood restoration grant applications. Federal funding opportunities may be found at: – – Additional training resources/opportunities may be found at: –

Questions? Please Contact Cory D. Randolph, CPTED Phone: (202 )