Legal Definitions - environmental criminology

Environmental criminology is a field of study that examines how the physical and social characteristics of a location or environment influence the likelihood of criminal activity and victimization. Rather than focusing primarily on the individual characteristics or motivations of offenders, it analyzes the circumstances, opportunities, and settings that facilitate or deter crime. This approach considers factors such as urban design, lighting, surveillance, routine activities of people in an area, and the availability of potential targets.

• Example 1: Urban Park Redesign

  A city council observes that a particular public park has become a frequent site for vandalism and minor drug offenses, especially after dark. To address this, they implement several changes: installing brighter, more energy-efficient lighting throughout the park, trimming overgrown bushes and trees to improve visibility, and adding a new children's playground and a small cafe to increase legitimate foot traffic during the day and early evening. After these changes, reports of crime in the park significantly decrease.

  This example illustrates environmental criminology because it focuses on altering the physical environment of the park (lighting, landscaping, increased legitimate activity) to reduce opportunities for crime and make the area less appealing for offenders, rather than focusing on the individual criminals themselves. The changes aim to deter crime by increasing natural surveillance and reducing hidden areas.

• Example 2: Retail Store Security

  A large electronics store experiences a high rate of shoplifting, particularly for small, high-value items like headphones and portable speakers. After analyzing the store layout, management decides to move these items from easily accessible shelves near the store entrance to display cases behind the customer service desk, requiring staff assistance for purchase. They also install additional security cameras in these areas and increase the presence of floor staff.

  This demonstrates environmental criminology by showing how changes to the store environment (item placement, increased surveillance, staff presence) can reduce opportunities for theft. By making it more difficult and riskier to steal the items unnoticed, the store alters the environmental factors that previously facilitated the crime.

• Example 3: ATM Placement and Safety

  A bank identifies that several of its automated teller machines (ATMs) located on dimly lit streets with minimal pedestrian activity late at night are frequently targeted for robberies. To enhance customer safety and deter crime, the bank decides to relocate these high-risk ATMs to well-lit, busy intersections or inside 24-hour convenience stores where there is constant activity and surveillance. For ATMs that cannot be moved, they install brighter lighting, clear signage indicating camera surveillance, and ensure surrounding landscaping does not create hiding spots.

  This exemplifies environmental criminology by focusing on how the location and surrounding conditions (lighting, foot traffic, proximity to other businesses) create or reduce opportunities for crime. By modifying the environment around the ATMs, the bank aims to increase the perceived risk for potential offenders and enhance the safety of its customers.