PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator PPO #122730 BSIS / DCA licensed PPO #122730 CA Private Patrol Operator
Summit Force Security Group logoSummit ForceSecurity Group
CallQuote
Encyclopedia entry

Target Hardening

Physical measures — locks, barriers, lighting, cameras — that make a specific target harder to access or attack.

Target hardening refers to adding physical obstacles or deterrents — better locks, security film, bollards, fencing, or reinforced access points — that increase the effort or risk required for someone to commit a crime against a specific asset.

It is distinct from, but complements, CPTED's broader design principles; hardening focuses on a specific vulnerability (a door, a gate, a storage area) rather than the overall layout and visibility of a site.

Overuse of hardening (razor wire, blocked sightlines from high fencing) can sometimes conflict with natural-surveillance goals, so most CPTED guidance recommends balancing hardening with visibility rather than defaulting to maximum fortification.

Related entries

CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)A set of physical-design principles — lighting, sightlines, landscaping, access control — that reduce crime opportunity.Access ControlSystems and procedures — gates, key fobs, sign-in logs — that limit entry to authorized people.Natural SurveillanceDesigning a site so legitimate users can easily see and be seen by one another.

Official sources

  1. [1]Crime Prevention Through Environmental DesignNational Institute of Justice
  2. [2]Physical Security GuidanceCISA

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.

Back to the A–Z encyclopedia

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.

Reference is free. Coverage is a phone call.

Licensed California PPO #122730 — live dispatch 24/7 across Sacramento, Placer, and the surrounding counties.

1-800-823-5337Get a free quote
Free site assessment

Tell us about your property

Send a few details and a supervisor will walk your site, identify the vulnerable hours, and return a written coverage plan with flat hourly pricing — no obligation.

  • Same-day response on urgent coverage requests
  • Licensed, guard-card verified, uniformed officers
  • GPS-tracked patrol reports delivered every morning
  • Short-term, event, and long-term contracts available