Good design can prevent future crime

Based on the premise that it is easier to prevent criminal activity from starting than stopping it once entrenched, at least two South County planners are looking at open space, landscaping, lighting and design elements on construction plans in a much different way.

Christine Haggard, who chairs the Anderson Planning Commission, and Commissioner Ron Barnett recently reported on a two-day workshop they attended on Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, held Sept. 17-18 in Chula Vista, near San Diego.

"It really was an eye-opener," said Haggard. "As a planning commissioner, it causes me to look at plans and landscaping very differently. My eyes were opened even further in regards to landscaping."

As a result of the training, Barnett, who also represents the Anderson Planning Commission on the city's Design Review Committee, said he would be looking more closely at hiding spots, types of lighting and fencing materials.

"Some of our suggestions might even save the applicant some money," Barnett suggested.

Led by law enforcement professional Richard Preuss, who recently retired from the Chula Vista Police Department, workshop participants conducted field evaluations of parks, trails and pedestrian walkways in various neighborhoods near the training facility, Barnett said.

"We looked at approaches into a park and whether the walkways were wide enough to allow an emergency vehicle to get to someone who was injured," he said.

Two visits to the same park, once in full daylight and the other after dark, brought home the importance of adequate lighting on trail surfaces as well as the sheer number of hiding places that overgrown shrubbery and large planters provide those who are prone to crime, Haggard said.

"Walkways, if they are to be used at night, need lighting and the type of lighting makes a lot of difference," she noted as one example of the knowledge she will apply to design proposals in the future.

Haggard and Barnett were so impressed with the training Preuss offered, they have invited him to bring his insights to Shasta County Nov. 5-6.

"We hope to offer one day of free training with various groups and organizations meeting with him on Nov. 6 to discuss specific problem areas of concern," Haggard said.

Much like their Chula Vista experience, Haggard said part of the training will involve field trips into the community to do a physical walk through and assessment using a pre-printed checklist.

"This will give people a whole different perception of design as it applies to a community," Haggard said.

A location for the November training sessions has yet to be determined, she added.

Haggard's and Barnett's workshop expenses were paid through a grant.

<B></B>Good design can prevent future crime