Crime W hy would you wait for a crime to occur if you have the means to prevent it from happening? Law enforcement agencies often spend too much time and resources on reactionary practices regarding crime instead of implementing preventative measures. Crime prevention strategies and community policing are evolving concepts that need to be applied by law enforcement agencies and park systems nationwide. One form of proactive strategy is Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED (pronounced sep-ted). CPTED is a plan or project that uses specific design principles to work toward deterring criminal behavior while positively impacting the image and usage of an area or facility. How Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) can reduce crime in your parks and facilities By Michael Cannavino, CPRP W W W. PA R K S A N D R E C R E AT I O N . O R G | M A R C H 2 0 1 6 | Parks & Recreation 61