Maintenance is one of the core CPTED principles, grounded partly in the 'broken windows' observation that visible disorder — graffiti, litter, broken fixtures — can signal reduced oversight and invite further disorder or crime.
Practically, this means prompt repair of broken lighting, gates, and fencing; graffiti removal; and general upkeep, tracked and prioritized rather than handled ad hoc.
Patrol officers often serve as an early-warning system for maintenance issues, flagging outages or damage during rounds before they compound into larger security or liability problems.
Related entries
Official sources
- [1]CPTED GuidebookDOJ COPS Office
Links point to the publishing agency or the California Legislative Information text. Government pages are reorganized periodically — if a link moves, search the code section or agency name at the official site.
General industry and regulatory usage — not legal advice, and not an endorsement by BSIS, the Department of Consumer Affairs, or any law-enforcement agency. Statutes, regulations, and local ordinances change; verify current text at the official government source or with your attorney.