Designing for safety

Jane Jacobs’ “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” isn’t a book you’d typically expect to find on a police officer’s desk.

But Oklahoma City Police Sergeant Bob Skalla isn’t your typical police officer.

“Here are your answers and reasons why we are where we are,” Skalla said as he gripped his copy of the essential urbanism book. “It is all right here.”

Sergeant Skalla is passionate about neighborhoods and is an advocate for areas of the City that experience an inequity of services and resources.

“Often the underserved and underprivileged are forgotten,” Skalla said. “Everyone deserves a voice."

He serves as a police community relations (PCR) officer for the Oklahoma City Police Department’s Hefner Division and works closely with communities that are struggling with safety and have an increase likelihood of crime. When he is contacted to meet with neighborhoods, it isn’t because things are going well.

As a PCR officer Skalla is an expert and evangelist when it comes to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

To put it simply CPTED is recognizing that proper design and proactive maintenance can reduce the fear and incidence of crime and improve the overall quality of life.

A few of the CPTED principles:

· Making sure entrances are visible

· Adequate lighting

· Clear marking walkways and paths

· Comprehensive signage and wayfinding

· Proper landscaping

· Upkeep, repair and maintenance of property

When talking to neighborhoods, Skalla says he frequently highlights similar ways to make you and your property less of a target for criminals.

· Don’t forgot to close your garage

· Remember to lock your vehicle's doors

· Remove your valuables from your car

· Keep your porch light on at night

· Trim the bushes so you can see out your windows

· Maintain your property

“It is easier to maintain than it is to reclaim,” Skalla said about neighborhoods.

To learn more about OKCPD's community relations officers or to schedule a meeting with your neighborhood or homeowners association visit okc.gov.