Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

A colorful infographic illustrating the four key principles of CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). At the center is the acronym "CPTED," with four interconnected loops branching out, each labeled with a concept and icon: Top (yellow loop): "Natural Surveillance" with an eye icon. Right (green loop): "Social Management" with three people icon. Bottom (blue loop): "Maintenance" with a wrench and screwdriver icon. Left (red loop): "Natural Access Control" with a fence icon. Bottom left (dark blue loop): "Territorial Reinforcement" with a signpost icon. The loops are interlinked, representing the integration of these principles in creating safer environments.

CREATING SAFE SPACES WITH INTENT

Our CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) Survey Program is a proactive initiative by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office to help both homeowners and business owners make their properties safer, more resilient, and less inviting to crime.

Conducted at no cost, the surveys are performed by certified CPTED practitioners who are skilled professionals trained in assessing how design, layout, lighting, landscaping, and property management can reduce opportunities for theft, vandalism, loitering, and other unwanted behavior.

HOW IT WORKS & WHO IT BENEFITS

  • For residential properties, a practitioner will walk your exterior and common areas (and interior if desired) to review key factors such as visibility, access points, lighting, upkeep, and territorial cues (fences, signage, landscaping). They’ll identify simple adjustments you can make to reduce risk and increase the sense of ownership and oversight.
  • For commercial properties, the same certified team reviews parking lots, building façades, entry/exit flows, landscaping, lighting, signage, and maintenance practices that highlight improvements to enhance safety, encourage legitimate business activity, deter loitering and trespassing, and potentially improve customer perception and insurance risk.

Because the service is free, this is an opportunity for both residents and businesses to gain expert insight without financial commitment to take steps that often pay off in reduced crime risk and greater peace of mind.

WHAT YOU GET

  • A friendly onsite walkthrough and assessment by a certified CPTED practitioner.
  • A written report with recommended enhancements tailored to your property (both low-cost and strategic options).
  • Support and guidance on implementation. Good news: you don’t have to do everything at once.
  • The ongoing benefit of improved deterrence, stronger community sense, and enhanced pride in your space.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Research and best-practice guides show that CPTED strategies like natural surveillance (clear sight lines and lighting), access control (directing people to intended entrances), territorial reinforcement (clear definition of private vs public space), maintenance & management (upkeep conveys ownership) all help make an environment less attractive to offenders.

In short: better design and maintenance = fewer opportunities for crime and a stronger sense of community.

JOIN US IN BUILDING A SAFER COMMUNITY

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to strengthen your property’s safety or a business owner who wants to create a welcoming yet secure environment for customers and staff, our CPTED Survey Program is an excellent, no-cost way to get started.

We’re excited to see more residential and commercial properties in Walton County benefit from these certified assessments and even more excited about the stronger, safer neighborhoods and business corridors we can create together.

Want to schedule your free CPTED survey? Reach out today! We are ready to help you take the next step toward safety and stewardship of your property.

Email us at [email protected].