Let’s think about that for a minute. Recently, I was asked to speak with Gregor Craigie on CBC Radio. He hosts a live morning show called “On the Island,” an informative blend of news, reviews and interviews, designed to keep Vancouver Islanders informed about the issues that matter to them.
As a built environment advisor and practitioner with more than two decades of experience, I was asked to discuss a recent high-profile case of voyeurism on Vancouver Island. In fact, it’s likely the largest case ever prosecuted in this country, and many of these incidents took place behind closed doors, or were they?
Firstly, let’s acknowledge the victims. Hundreds of women and young girls were traumatized by these acts, and the impact will be felt for many years to come. Gregor asked me specifically about change rooms and proper design. This is where many of these breaches of privacy occurred.
The reality of this tragic story and the long-term impacts these acts will have on people underscores the need for good design practices relating to public safety and security. There is nothing more important than our personal safety and well-being, nothing!
It’s no secret that I’ve been promoting the concept of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) and writing about it for years. In fact, I’ve contributed numerous columns and op-eds for the Times Colonist, based in Victoria, BC. Many of these features are listed on my News page.
So, what is CPTED and why hasn’t it become common knowledge in a world where we spend most of our time in a built environment?
CPTED is a concept that encourages the proper design and effective use of our built environment. When its principles are applied properly, it can lead to a reduction in the fear and incidence of crime and improve our quality of life.
That’s incredible, right? Yes, and many people underestimate the potential this can have inside or outside the spaces we frequently use. In this case, change room design is critical, and by using the principles of CPTED, these acts of voyeurism may have been prevented.
Access control is just one of the principles that we need to consider in good design. The level of control required is based on what the space will be designated for. For example, as retail customers, we expect that we can try on garments in a space that ensures our privacy.
In today’s age of high-resolution cameras in our phones, selfie sticks that can potentially reach over or under a door, and the possibility of someone installing a covert camera in a change room, we must be diligent.
The good news is that most larger retailers understand the importance of properly designing and securing their stores. In fact, these design considerations are carefully considered at the pre-construction stage to reduce the cost of retrofits later. I know this because I worked in the industry for many years and played a key role in store design and merchandising to reduce loss and protect our customers and staff.
Staff training is also imperative, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding security policies and procedures. It’s vital around change rooms and can help prevent losses or privacy breaches of this magnitude. Did staff see someone who may have appeared suspicious, and did they hesitate to report it to security personnel, their supervisor or manager?
It would be foolish not to touch on opportunities for crime. Any criminologist will tell you that many crimes are committed because an opportunity exists to successfully execute a crime without being detected. This is where other principles of CPTED can play out, including natural surveillance, territorial reinforcement and maintenance.
The bottom line is that we all need to be more aware of our surroundings and promote good design and planning. Whether you own a home, business, or are a planner or developer, we all play a role in keeping our communities safe and healthy.
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