Application of Secured by Design — ProQual Awarding Body Occupational Qualification Public Services Revision

    This subtopic explores the practical application of Secured by Design, the flagship UK police initiative to 'design out crime' by integrating security into

    Topic Synopsis

    This subtopic explores the practical application of Secured by Design, the flagship UK police initiative to 'design out crime' by integrating security into the planning and construction stages. Learners will examine the role of SBD in the design process, the rigorous testing and certification of security products, and how SBD aligns with other built environment standards to create holistic safer communities. Mastery of this element ensures professionals can effectively collaborate with police, architects, and developers to implement evidence-based crime prevention strategies.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Application of Secured by Design

    PROQUAL AWARDING BODY
    vocational

    This subtopic explores the practical application of Secured by Design, the flagship UK police initiative to 'design out crime' by integrating security into the planning and construction stages. Learners will examine the role of SBD in the design process, the rigorous testing and certification of security products, and how SBD aligns with other built environment standards to create holistic safer communities. Mastery of this element ensures professionals can effectively collaborate with police, architects, and developers to implement evidence-based crime prevention strategies.

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    Learning Outcomes
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    Assessment Guidance
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    Key Skills
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    Key Terms
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    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    ProQual Level 5 Diploma in Crime Prevention - Designing Out Crime

    Topic Overview

    Designing Out Crime is a core component of the ProQual Level 5 Diploma in Crime Prevention, focusing on the principles and practices of using the built environment to reduce opportunities for crime. This topic explores how thoughtful design of buildings, public spaces, and infrastructure can deter criminal behaviour, enhance community safety, and improve quality of life. Students will examine the theoretical foundations, such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), and apply them to real-world scenarios, including residential estates, town centres, and transport hubs. Understanding this subject is essential for crime prevention officers, urban planners, and security professionals who aim to create safer communities through proactive, design-led strategies.

    The importance of Designing Out Crime lies in its shift from reactive policing to preventive measures. By integrating security features into the planning and design stages, long-term reductions in crime and fear of crime can be achieved. This approach aligns with the UK's National Crime Prevention Strategy and the principles of 'Secured by Design', a police-led initiative that sets standards for security in new developments. Students will learn how to conduct site assessments, identify crime generators, and recommend design modifications, such as improved lighting, natural surveillance, and territorial reinforcement. These skills are directly applicable to roles in local authority planning departments, police crime prevention units, and private security consultancy.

    Within the wider Public Services curriculum, Designing Out Crime connects to topics like community safety, partnership working, and risk assessment. It requires an understanding of criminological theories, such as routine activity theory and rational choice theory, which explain how environmental factors influence criminal decisions. Mastery of this subject enables students to contribute to multi-agency initiatives, such as Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships, and to evaluate the effectiveness of design interventions. Ultimately, this knowledge empowers professionals to create environments that not only deter crime but also promote social cohesion and economic vitality.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED): A multi-disciplinary approach that uses natural surveillance, access control, territorial reinforcement, and maintenance to reduce crime opportunities.
    • →Secured by Design (SBD): A UK police accreditation scheme that sets security standards for new homes, commercial premises, and public spaces, focusing on physical security and environmental design.
    • →Natural Surveillance: The design of spaces to maximise visibility, e.g., positioning windows overlooking public areas, using appropriate lighting, and avoiding blind spots.
    • →Territorial Reinforcement: Using physical features like fences, signage, and landscaping to define ownership and encourage legitimate users to challenge intruders.
    • →Crime Generators and Attractors: Locations or features that create opportunities for crime (e.g., poorly lit alleys, isolated bus stops) and how design can mitigate these risks.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Evaluate the role of Secured by Design in influencing architectural design to reduce crime opportunities.
    • Analyse the testing and certification procedures required for security products to achieve SBD approval.
    • Compare the SBD scheme with other built environment accreditations, such as BREEAM and the BRE Global Loss Prevention Standards.
    • Apply the SBD application process to a case study development, identifying key decision points for a Designing Out Crime Officer.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Award credit for demonstrating understanding of the SBD 'hierarchy of design features' from perimeter to internal security.
    • Expect candidates to reference specific testing standards (e.g., PAS 24, LPS 1175) when discussing certified products.
    • Look for evidence of evaluating how other schemes (e.g., British Standard 8220, CPTED) interface with SBD guidance.
    • Credit should be given for acknowledging the role of the police Architectural Liaison Officer in the SBD process.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡When discussing the design process, always map each design element to a specific SBD guideline or principle (e.g., access control, natural surveillance).
    • 💡For product testing, clearly differentiate between UKAS-accredited testing bodies and those within the SBD Approved Provider Scheme.
    • 💡To demonstrate breadth, include examples of how SBD interfaces with Building Regulations Part Q (for dwellings) and other mandatory standards.
    • 💡In assignment answers, use the correct terminology: e.g., 'certified product' versus 'approved system', and cite the SBD Almanac where necessary.
    • 💡Use real-world examples: When answering questions, reference specific case studies like the 'Secured by Design' award-winning developments or crime reduction in London's 'Estate Regeneration' projects. This shows applied understanding.
    • 💡Link theory to practice: Always connect CPTED principles (e.g., natural surveillance) to practical design features (e.g., low-level planting, active frontages). Examiners look for evidence that you can apply concepts to real environments.
    • 💡Consider multiple stakeholders: Discuss how designing out crime involves collaboration between architects, planners, police, residents, and local authorities. Mentioning partnership working demonstrates a holistic grasp of the topic.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Assuming SBD applies only to residential developments; it also covers commercial and public realm.
    • Misunderstanding that SBD certification is a one-time assessment, ignoring the need for ongoing compliance checks.
    • Failing to distinguish between product certification (e.g., Secured by Design standards) and installer competency schemes (e.g., SSAIB, NSI).
    • Overlooking the importance of environmental context and location-specific crime data in applying SBD principles.
    • Misconception: Designing Out Crime is only about installing CCTV and security gates. Correction: While physical security is part of it, the core is about environmental design—layout, lighting, landscaping, and community involvement—to naturally deter crime without relying solely on technology.
    • Misconception: Good design always increases costs. Correction: Many CPTED measures, like proper site layout and natural surveillance, can be integrated at no extra cost during planning. Long-term savings from reduced crime and policing often outweigh initial investments.
    • Misconception: Designing Out Crime is only relevant for new developments. Correction: Existing buildings and public spaces can be retrofitted with design improvements, such as improved lighting, pruning overgrown shrubs, or reconfiguring entrances, to reduce crime opportunities.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic understanding of criminological theories (e.g., routine activity theory, rational choice theory) to explain why design affects criminal behaviour.
    • •Knowledge of the UK planning system and key legislation (e.g., Crime and Disorder Act 1998, Planning Policy Guidance) to understand how crime prevention fits into development control.
    • •Familiarity with risk assessment methodologies (e.g., Crime Impact Assessment) to evaluate the potential crime implications of design decisions.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Secured by Design principles
    • Design stage intervention
    • Security product certification
    • Testing standards and protocols
    • Complementary accreditation schemes
    • Holistic crime prevention

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