CPTED is the acronym for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. CPTED is defined as "the proper design and effective use of the built environment that can lead to a reduction in the fear and incidence of crime and an improvement in the quality of life."

CPTED is based on these three overlapping strategies.

1. Natural access control

2. Natural surveillance

3. Territorial reinforcement

For information  send an email to the CPTED Unit

Program Goals

The goal of CPTED is to reduce opportunities for crime that may be inherent in the design of structures or in the design of neighborhoods.

This goal is accomplished through the involvement of CPTED trained law enforcement officers in the planning, development and design review of community projects.

CPTED uses various tools to evaluate environmental conditions and utilize intervention methods to control human / criminal behavior and reduce the fear of crime.

How does CPTED impact me?

CPTED impacts each citizen by increasing safety, promoting secure environments and improving the appearance of neighborhoods and public amenities.

To ensure new developments meet the safety needs of Tampa's diverse neighborhoods CPTED Specialists are involved in the rezoning and special use process through collaborative efforts with Land Development Coordination.

How is it accomplished?

By establishing a policy and regulatory framework for a physical design which can include:

• Landscape Plan
• Street Lighting Plan
• Access Controls
• Street Design
• Traffic Controls
• Demolition of
• Structures
• Lot Clearing
• Sidewalk
• Improvements
• Beautification
• Parks Improvement
• Community Clean-ups
• Traffic Calming
• Maintenance

Training

The Tampa Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit provides training in the area of CPTED. Participants learn how the design and use of the environment can control human / criminal behavior and reduce the fear of crime, crime prevention through natural means and how natural access control and natural surveillance decreases the opportunity for crime. Participants also learn the different aspects of lighting and it's effects on human behavior.

Reviews

Law enforcement officers who are specially trained in CPTED are now working closely with Planners, Architects, City Officials, and Educators to ensure the proper design of structures, schools, and neighborhoods. As part or the review process CPTED trained officers will assist the Development Review Committee in site plan reviews prior to public approval.

CPTED on the Web

• Florida CPTED Network
• Int'l CPTED Assoc.
• Design Out Crime Assoc.
• Law Enforcement Environmental Planning Assoc. of California
• CPTED Ontario
• European Design Crime Assoc.
• CPTED Chile

INVOLVEMENT

How can you get involved? Citizen participation is necessary to define the issues and needs of the community. Neighborhood groups will work with the Tampa Police and other City of Tampa Departments.

CPTED and The City of Tampa

CPTED Programs currently in place allow for CPTED Specialists to review plans for the City of Tampa's Greenway and Trails Project, the Westshore Business District, the East Tampa Mixed Use Overlay District, and the West Tampa Overlay District. Other projects include creating special lighting districts.

What are the results?

CPTED improves existing services by working with neighborhood, businesses, community groups, municipalities, and law enforcement.  Communities that use CPTED as part of the design process have had great success!