GMB Architetcure + Engineering, in partnership with Kent County Sheriff’s Department and the City of Kentwood Police Department, hosted a 40-hour Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) training in May 2023. Several education leaders and school resource officers from Michigan school districts attended the training, including Sparta Public Schools, Mason County Central Schools, Potterville Public Schools, Hudsonville Public Schools, and more. Three GMB employees, who specialize in educational planning, design, and engineering, also received the certified training.
CPTED training teaches participants that proper design and effective use of the built and social environment achieves a more productive use of space and a reduction of crime. The course covers topics that include site plan review, report writing, establishment and/or elimination of barriers, planning and zoning, and behavioral management.
“School security, and public safety in general, is a topic on the minds of every parent and community member. We were happy to host this timely training for our education clients and local law enforcement,” said Ron Boezwinkle, GMB Client Lead. Boezwinkle is also a member of an advisory board for Secure Education Consultants (SEC). “We learned valuable, real-world strategies that can be implemented in education environments and communities right away.”
This course also included a CPTED field assessment at local school districts to review existing site safety and security in the greater Grand Rapids community. CPTED training reinforces the importance placed on safety and security throughout local facilities and the community.
“As someone who regularly conducts security assessments, this training has helped provide a new way of observing and opened my eyes to other ways of addressing areas of concern,” said Shane Davis, Senior Lead Consultant at Secure Education Consultants. “CPTED training provided a number of new ideas to consider when making recommendations to our clients after conducting a security assessment as well as advising clients on new building or renovations projects.”
The in-person course was held at GMB’s Grand Rapids Learning Hub, which officially opened its doors in October 2022. GMB’s goal for Learning Hubs is to create an experiential and welcoming place for both clients and employees that encourages the exchange of knowledge and learning together. The Learning Hub, located at 555 4th Street, is available to reserve for GMB clients, student groups, and other community education opportunities.
Additional information about CPTED can also be found at the following link: CPTED Professional Designation (CPD) Credential
