SafeScape Principles

SafeScape is a holistic approach for responding to the issues of crime and personal safety that plague many of our neighborhoods, business districts and communities. The application of the SafeScape Principles requires only a basic understanding of how to use the principles to determine why people may not feel safe in a given situation and then how to respond to improve the situation.

The Seven SafeScape Principles

Human Factor Principles

These help us identify when the physical environment is unsafe.

Principle 1. Information and Orientation — We feel unsafe when we don’t know where we are and/or where we are going.

Principle 2. Interaction and Socialization — We feel unsafe when we are alone and there are no other people with whom we can interact.

Principle 3. Ownership and Stewardship — We feel unsafe when the physical environment is not properly cared for and not maintained.

Principle 4. Seeing and Being Seen — We feel unsafe when we can’t see other people and they can’t see us.

Implementation Principles

These help us identify how to create a sense of safety.

Principle 5. Land Use and Design — Encourages safety and community building through proper design of the physical environment.

Principle 6. Activity and Programming — Facilitates safety and community building by bringing people together in the physical environment.

Principle 7. Management and Maintenance — Sustains safety and community building through the long-term commitment to proper care of the physical environment.

Back to Main Page

Order Now