Application of Secured by Design
This subtopic focuses on the practical application of the Secured by Design (SBD) scheme within the context of crime prevention through environmental design. It explores how SBD influences architectural design, the rigorous testing and certification of security products, and how SBD compares with other built environment accreditations. Learners will apply the SBD application process to a real-world case study, developing the decision-making skills essential for a Designing Out Crime Officer.
Assessment criteria
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 a clear understanding of how SBD principles (e.g., natural surveillance, access control) directly influence architectural design decisions.
- Award credit for accurately describing the stages of product testing and certification, including the role of third-party testing bodies and the importance of compliance with relevant standards.
- Award credit for a balanced comparison that identifies both similarities and differences between SBD and other accreditations, considering their respective aims, criteria, and application contexts.
- Award credit for a well-structured case study application that systematically addresses the SBD process, including initial assessment, design review, and final certification, with clear justification for each decision point.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Use specific examples of SBD principles in practice, such as the use of CCTV, lighting, and secure by design layouts, to illustrate your points.
- 💡When comparing accreditations, create a structured comparison (e.g., using a table) to clearly show similarities and differences.
- 💡For the case study, ensure you identify and justify each key decision point, demonstrating your understanding of the role of a Designing Out Crime Officer.
- 💡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
- Confusing SBD with other accreditations like BREEAM, failing to recognise that SBD focuses specifically on security and crime prevention, while BREEAM addresses broader sustainability issues.
- Overlooking the importance of the certification process, assuming that any security product is automatically SBD approved without undergoing rigorous testing and evaluation.
- 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
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for PROQUAL AWARDING BODY Application of Secured by Design
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
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.
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- SBD principles and design influence
- Product testing and certification
- Comparison with other accreditations
- Application process and decision points
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