Building Safer Cities Together

Researchers from the Estonian Police and Border Guard identified a lack of consensus on the role of the police and other urban design stakeholders within an integrated Crime Prevention through Urban Design and Planning (CP-UDP) strategy. As a result, urban design and planning often fails to take security aspects into account — with police officers left to deal with the consequences of poor design decisions.

The research identified that the Estonian police should adopt a more 'professional' role within the planning process, as CP-UDP experts providing practical design advice. This requires clearer definition of the CP-UDP role within the police organisation, and its consistent delivery over the longer term.

To be effective, CP-UDP needs the buy-in of all urban development stakeholders. While the Estonian police support the CP-UDP approach, research suggested that this is not always the case with local planners, architects, designers, or development companies.

The Building Safer Cities Together Tool comprises a training programme, policy guide and, process protocol. The tool is a product of the EU-funded Cutting Crime Impact Project.

Get to know the Building Safer Cities Together Tool