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Lesson 1.2: Security Theory & Process

Goal: To apply criminological theory and environmental design to prevent security incidents before they occur.

Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the Crime Triangle and how security measures disrupt it.
2. Apply CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles.
3. Understand the WAECUP model of security goals.

Key Terms:

• Target Hardening: Strengthening the security of a building or installation to deter attack.
• Defensible Space: Designing an environment so that residents/users can control it.

Core Content:

• The Crime Triangle:
  • For a crime to occur, three elements must converge:
    1. Motive/Desire (The criminal’s intent).
    2. Ability/Tools (The criminal’s capability).
    3. Opportunity (The vulnerability/lack of surveillance).
  • Security Strategy: Security professionals generally cannot control Motive. We focus on removing Opportunity and limiting Ability.
• CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design):
  • Natural Surveillance: Keeping lines of sight open (e.g., low hedges, windows facing streets) so intruders feel watched.
  • Natural Access Control: Guiding people to entrances via landscaping and paths.
  • Territorial Reinforcement: Using distinct paving, fences, or art to define ownership (“This is private space”).
  • Maintenance: A well-maintained property signals that people care and are watching (Broken Windows Theory).
• The WAECUP Model (Goals of Security):
  1. Waste avoidance.
  2. Accident prevention.
  3. Error reduction.
  4. Crime prevention.
  5. Unethical practice deterrence.