2008-11-05 P & R Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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... This might, for example, result in the development of additional activities throughout the park or the strategic redistribution of existing activities in order to maintain a safe critical intensity of people. Only after the viability and impact of these more basic, function- oriented changes has been assessed, will the CPTED practitioner be in a position to definitively resolve the matter of whether to light the walkway. In this regard, the CPTED practitioner will assess the level of anticipated activity in the vicinity of the walkway. If the level continues to fall short of the critical intensity of people needed to keep the walkway safe, the CPTED practitioner will ultimately recommend the removal of the walkway lights until such time as a safe level of activity can be reached. While potentially controversial, the removal of the lights will naturally direct users to better observed and well traveled routes along sidewalks through populated areas which is consistent with basic streetproofing advice. It will further increase safety by reducing the attraction to the criminal element, who will quickly recognize that the walkway yields fewer crime opportunities and those that remain will be less desirable given an increased tendency to walk in groups, pairs with dogs etc.or be part of a police patrol. These benefits notwithstanding, the probability that an existing lighting system would ever be removed in such a circumstance is unlikely, to say the least. For CPTED benefits to be maximized, they must be implemented at the planning stages. It is at these stages when a space assessment and the CPTED principles of natural surveillance, access control, territorial reinforcement and the strategies that flow from them can be applied for maximum benefit and at minimum cost. The CPTED approach, while not a panacea, is philosophical in nature. This results in safety becoming an integral part of the overall design and not just an after thought based on formulas, checklists or even gut instinct. CPTED provides the conceptual framework from which the development of safe parks can be soundly reasoned on an evolving and situational basis as the need arises. This offers maximum support and utility for park designers who are often presented with once in a lifetime challenges when developing a natural site. It also opens the door for improved communications with local police, planners, politicians and community residents which can lead to better collaboration. This has already led to the formal development of a CPTED advisory committee in the City of Mississauga. The Committee consists of CPTED trained staff from the Police, Mississauga Crime Prevention and the City's Community Services, Development and Design, Corporate Security and Property Standards departments who, amongst other things, review park design with the Community Services department. This is just one of the many opportunities for improved communication that will result from a common interest in CPTED. CPTED is more than just a philosophy or set of design principles. It provides a vehicle for the sharing of ideas and our collective experience which park designers can use to improve the design, function and ultimately the safety of our parks.