Internertional Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) Advanced Officer Certification Practice Exam

What is a key component in effective environmental design to prevent crime?

1. Physical barriers

2. Community action plans

3. Ambiguous pathways

4. Surveillance cameras

The correct answer is: Physical barriers

A key component in effective environmental design to prevent crime is the use of physical barriers. Physical barriers, such as fences, walls, gates, and landscaping, create defined boundaries that can deter unauthorized access and control the movement of individuals within a space. By strategically placing barriers, an environment can discourage criminal activity by making it more difficult for offenders to approach targets or escape after committing a crime. The effectiveness of physical barriers lies in their ability to enhance perception of security. When people feel secure in their surroundings, they are more likely to utilize and enjoy those spaces, which can lead to increased natural surveillance as more eyes are on the environment, further deterring potential criminal behavior. Other methods like community action plans and surveillance cameras certainly contribute to crime prevention, but they do not offer the same immediate physical deterrent that barriers provide. Ambiguous pathways, on the other hand, can create confusion and potentially facilitate crime by providing criminals with multiple escape routes. Therefore, physical barriers play a crucial role in environmental design aimed at preventing crime.