Evaluation of Security Programs SEC 420
Case Study 1
01/16/2016

Case Study 1
I just won a bid to construct a high-rise residential apartment building. The complex is to be located in an area of the city which borders a high-crime urban area on one side, and industrial facilities on the other. This will present several challenges that will require strategic planning to overcome or reduce the level of risk or threats. The construction will be built with a design that accommodates the needs of the occupants and owners especially those involving security and territorial space. Considering the industrial facilities surrounding the apartment it is important that the building will suit residents that are associated to the industrial facilities in the area. The building will have a modern designed with an attractive complex structure for people who are looking for an apartment. I will consider the following factors that will incorporate the needs of the occupants and owners, which include; territoriality; natural surveillance; design guidelines; territory and personal defense strategies; and confidence restoration strategies.
I begin with territoriality of the construction planning. According to Robert A. Gander “Territoriality involves an individual's perception of, and relationship with, the environment. A strong sense of territoriality encourages an individual to take control of his or her environment and defend it against attack.” In order to accomplish this, the planning needs to focus on area where crime is most likely to occur such as the lobbies, hallways, stairs, and elevators. Also Fennelly, Lawrence states that "The public areas of a multifamily residential environment devoid of defensible space can make the act of going from street to apartment equivalent to running the gauntlet. The fear and uncertainty generated by living in such an environment can slowly eat away and eventually destroy the security and sanctity of the apartment unit itself. “(Fennelly 2) This is why territorial boundaries is crucial when constructing self-contained rooms which will consist of living room, kitchen, bathrooms, balcony and bedroom. The dividing walling of each will be enhanced or reinforces so that the occupants can feel more secure as well as better privacy of their space. Which in turn will help towards a better co-existence of occupants since they will have more control and a better scenes of ownership. Incorporating territoriality into the planning process, will an assurance of security for the occupants of the high-rise apartment.
Natural surveillance will be key when it comes to discouraging criminal activity of and near the high-rise apartment. "The increased presence of human observers, which territoriality brings, can lead to higher levels of natural surveillance in all areas of residential space." (Fennelly 3) Some the techniques that will be use will be designing windows, lighting and landscaping to improve the occupants and staff ability to observe what is going on inside and around the apartment. The goal is to increase the likelihood of detecting and deterring a criminal activity. This will also be achieved by installing security cameras and security personnel depending on owner’s budget. The security cameras will be located in areas to maximize the view of windows, doors, streets, parking areas, elevators, hallways, etc. Having security cameras in key location will minimize that there few to no hidden spaces. There will be sufficient lighting around the parking lots, walk ways and hallway to give an unobstructed path around the building and premises. Having adequate natural surveillance will give the occupant and owners that crime less likely to happen due to the heighten security and give a better peace of mind. Considering the fact that the complex neighborhood is a security threat implementation of this security system is quite essential in this project.
Design guidelines "Defensible space offers a series of architectural guidelines, which can be used in the design of new urban residential complexes to promote both the residential group’s territorial claim to its surroundings and its ability to conduct natural surveillance" (Fennelly 3) The high-rise apartment design will meet the needs of the occupants considering the two major factors of crime and the industrial facility. The design guidelines will focus more toward security vs. the industrial facility as it is the most threatening factor of the two. The planning will also involve collaboration with the police, fire department, and any other agency to ensure the safety of the apartment’s occupants. Having a good working relationship between police, fire department and other local agencies will heighten the overall security of the apartment and construction of the building. "Territorial defense strategies emphasize prevention of property-related crimes such as breaking and entering, auto theft, and household larceny." (Fennelly 5) and personal defense strategies "focuses on the prevention of violent or street crimes such as robbery, assault, and rape, and the reduction of fear associated with these crimes." (Fennelly 5) This will be accomplish as mentioned earlier through the use of security cameras, lighting, personnel and overall design of the apartment’s room, hallway, stairs, elevators, etc., to deter criminal activity. Also parking lot will be separate for residents and non-residents to better keep an eye on those who do not belong. Isolated areas will be monitor to assist anyone in need of help. Emphasis will be made to work together apartment personnel help guarded and keep an eye out for criminal activity for the betterment of the entire building.

Confidence restoration strategies as stated by Fennelly, Lawrence "involves activities that are aimed primarily at mobilizing neighborhood interest and support to implement needed CPTED changes." (Fennelly 6) This can be accomplish be provide hot lines, wed addresses, etc., where residents can provide feedback and /or concerns about the apartment or safety issues. The better the staff response to these issues the more the residents will be likely to speak up about what goes on. Also the interaction the staff and local agency with the resident will them a better overall scene of security and peace of mind.
In conclusion these factors territoriality, natural surveillance, design guidelines, territory and personal defense strategies and confidence restoration strategies are important when constructing near a high crime and industrial area. Successfully applying these factors in the building process will help fill the apartments but hopefully land you more jobs.

References:

Fennelly, Lawrence. Effective Physical Security, 3rd Edition. Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann, 12/2003. VitalBook file.
Gardner, Robert A. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, 04/1981.
Newman, Oscar. Creating Defensible Space, U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Policy Development and Research 04/1996