CPTED: Designing Out Crime

How can near west side communities use Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles to make our neighborhoods safer?

Yes, we can use CPTED principles to make the community safer and the Near West Side assistant district attorney, Ben Wesson is leading this charge. In the picture above Ben is presenting on the principles of CPTED to community members including the Marquette University Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Transportation, City of Milwaukee representatives and Near West Side Partner members.

What is CPTED?

Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) is a multi-disciplinary approach to deterring criminal behavior through environmental design. Specifically altering the physical design of the communities in which humans reside and congregate in order to deter criminal activity is the main goal of CPTED. CPTED principles of design affect elements of the built environment ranging from the small-scale (such as the strategic use of shrubbery and other vegetation) to the overarching, including building form of an entire urban neighbourhood and the amount of opportunity for "eyes on the street". Here is a video link that goes in to greater details which is also posted below.

Video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSRCWxGK7tICPTED.

How is CPTED being used in the Near West Side?

Ben is working with community members to look at areas of concern that include connections to I94, specifically 25th and 35th and St. Paul, in addition to geographical areas near local business. The goal is to use CPTED principles such as target hardening and increasing sight lines to encourage positive social behavior. Next steps include creating a plan with local and state officials to use these principles to deter panhandling and other negative impact behaviors in the Near West Side.

Where is CPTED working in the Near West Side?

CPTED principles can be seen in many areas within the Near West Side. Marquette University has done a great job with marking its geographical boundaries by using landscaping, "blue light phones" and MUPD patrols that extend into the neighborhood of the Avenues West.

Ambassador Hotel and the Rave / Eagles Club has also developed areas that encourage positive social behavior by using landscaping, lighting and awnings. The additional CPTED improvements can cost more than the alternative of doing less however the overall payoff is worth it. Customers not only feel safe however are safer.

There is more to come with the Near West Side using CPTED principles that will assist in making the community safer.