Crime prevention 

Crime prevention design advisors

Crime prevention design advisors (CPDAs) aim to 'design out' opportunities for people to commit crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the built environment.

This is achieved by working in partnership with Local Planning Authorities, architects, developers, planners, Neighbourhood Policing teams, community safety teams and other specialist colleagues.

This work is carried out at various stages of the planning process – the earlier it is carried out, the better. CPDAs aim to create safe, sustainable communities where people want to live, work, invest and play.

What does a CPDA do?

No one can totally get rid of crime. However, academic research and practical examples across the country show that crime risks and the fear of crime can be significantly reduced by addressing security at the design stage.

Opportunities for designing out crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour have often been missed by the time a development has gained planning permission. It is crucial for a CPDA to become involved with a development at the earliest stage.

A CPDA can advise on a range of construction projects by using existing planning laws and guidance, together with Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Crime Prevention Initiatives (CPI) who administer the Secured by Design scheme. This makes sure that reducing crime and disorder becomes a key consideration in the planning process.

What qualifications and experience does my local CPDA have?

Every CPDA is qualified to the national accreditation standard through the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) (opens new window) or equivalent. Many CPDAs at Thames Valley Police have studied degrees in designing out crime. The crime prevention design team (CPDT) has a mix of backgrounds, in fields such as community safety, crime reduction, planning, and police service.

Where does a CPDA fit within the planning process?

Your local CPDA fits into the planning process at every stage.

The police are not statutory consultees – this is currently under review – but, through partnership working, they can positively influence the design of the built environment. They can also ask for planning conditions and, where appropriate, lodge formal objections to proposed developments.

The earlier a CPDA becomes involved with any planning application, the better – the advice given by a CPDA will be easier to accommodate by the architects and planners, and there will be less time taken up at the later stages of the application process. However, even at the latest stages of plans going forward for approval, CPDA consultation can still be sought and their professional advice taken into account to find out whether a planning application should be approved or refused.