Physical Security Consultant Jim Grayson discusses ways to implement Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.

The Broken Window Theory was introduced in 1982 by the social scientists James Wilson and George Kellin. The theory states that if a window breaks and no one fixes it in a timely manner, vandals will be more likely to partake in further crime and anti-social behavior near that building.

In a nutshell the idea is that if a building or campus gives the appearance that it’s cared for, it projects an atmosphere of lawfulness that deters people from committing crimes in that area.

The theory goes a long way to describe the basic concepts behind Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED. Campus officials might not think a little graffiti is a big deal, but what impression does it give to the surrounding population?

To talk more about this concept and other ideas behind CPTED, we spoke with CPTED expert Jim Grayson, who has more than 40 years of combined experience in law enforcement, private security and security consulting.

In the podcast, Jim gives practical advice for healthcare and school administrators at hospital, K-12 and higher-ed institutions alike.

Enjoy the podcast!